Chemotherapy in patients with recurrent and progressive central neurocytoma

BACKGROUND Recurrent central neurocytoma is very rare and to the authors' knowledge data regarding its response to chemotherapy currently are not available. METHODS Three patients with progressive neurocytoma received chemotherapy after their informed consent was obtained. Disease recurred in two patients after surgery and radiotherapy and in one patient after surgery. The treatment regimen was comprised of etoposide, 40 mg/m2/day, for 4 days; cisplatin, 25 mg/m2/day, for 4 days; and cyclophosphamide, 1000 mg/m2, on Day 4; this cycle was repeated every 4 weeks. RESULTS Stabilization of disease was observed in 2 patients and complete remission was observed in 1 patient; at last follow-up, these responses had been maintained for 15 months, 18 months, and 36 months, respectively. CONCLUSIONS In this small series, this therapeutic regimen led to long term disease reduction, and merits further study. Cancer 2000;88:169–74. © 2000 American Cancer Society.