BACKGROUND

Pineal region glioma is a rare systematically reported tumor in the literatures, and little is known about its behavior, development, and best treatment strategies because of its complex anatomical relationship and rarity.

OBJECTIVE

We reviewed the outcomes of patients with pineal region gliomas in West China hospital in the past 5 years and searched the literature to add more information. As a result, key factors related to prognosis are identified.

METHODS

Twenty-five patients with pineal region gliomas were selected and information was collected about detailed medical history, imaging data, treatment methods, pathologic results, and latest neurosurgical radiologic progress during follow-up.

RESULTS

Pilocytic astrocytomas (20%) and glioblastomas (24%) were the most common pathologic subtypes. Twenty-three patients underwent open surgery, 3 Gamma Knife radiosurgery, and 4 whole-brain radiation therapy. Chemotherapy was applied to 3 patients. Low-grade gliomas tended to have a better prognosis than did high-grade. Karnofsky Performance Status at admission (≤60) was intimately associated with prognosis for low-grade gliomas. As for high-grade gliomas, patients whose age at admission was ≤30 years had a better prognosis than did older patients (＞30 years). However, whatever the grade, there was no overall survival difference as to gender, gross total resection versus not gross total resection, preoperative maximal tumor diameter (≤4 vs. ＞4 cm), and time since first symptoms (≤30 vs. ＞30 days), and radiation therapy versus no radiation therapy.

CONCLUSIONS

Open surgery is the first-line strategy for pineal region gliomas with tolerable mortality and disability rate. Radiosurgery and chemotherapy can be applied as adjuvant or alternative methods when surgery is contraindicated.