A review of secondary central nervous system tumors after treatment of a primary pediatric malignancy

Abstract

Despite remarkable strides in the treatment of pediatric malignancies over the last 50 years, long-lasting sequelae and secondary malignancies continue to plague this population. This article reviews the incidence, diagnosis, and etiology of secondary central nervous system tumors in the setting of a history of primary pediatric malignancy. Particular attention is paid to central nervous system tumors presenting after treatment of leukemia and primary brain tumors, as well as the role of treatment and underlying cancer predisposition syndromes in the risk of developing these secondary tumors.