Clinical outcome of adult choroid plexus tumors: retrospective analysis of a single institute

Abstract

Background: Choroid plexus tumors are rare brain tumors with clinical features that vary according to the histological grade. We reviewed the treatment outcomes of 15 adult patients with choroid plexus tumors, focusing on surgical outcomes and current therapeutic strategies.

Method: Patient demographic and clinical characteristics, operative findings, adjuvant therapies, disease progression and survival rates were reviewed.

Results: The median age at diagnosis was 33.7 ± 10 years (19-59 years) for patients with choroid plexus tumors. Postoperative chemotherapy was given to 26.7 % of patients, and 13.3 % of patients received radiotherapy. The Ki-67 labeling index and mitotic index increased at higher histological grades. All of the choroid plexus papilloma and atypical choroid plexus papilloma patients have survived. The overall survival rate of patients with choroid plexus carcinoma was 50 % in the first year, but none of the patients survived to the second year. Five patients underwent permanent cerebrospinal fluid diversion surgery because of hydrocephalus or subdural effusion.

Conclusions: Choroid plexus papilloma and atypical choroid plexus papilloma patients can be treated with complete surgical resection. Choroid plexus carcinoma has a poor prognosis, and aggressive multi-modal treatments are generally needed for treatment. Chemotherapy and radiotherapy are important adjuvant therapies for choroid plexus carcinoma. If hydrocephalus and/or subdural effusion occur, permanent cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) diversion should be added to the therapeutic strategy.