The use of neoadjuvant chemotherapy to achieve complete surgical resection in recurring supratentorial anaplastic ependymoma.

INTRODUCTION: Ependymoma is a central nervous system neoplasm that is often managed with surgery and radiotherapy. The benefits of chemotherapy in treating this tumor remain poorly defined. CASE REPORT: The use of a platinum-based chemotherapy as a neoadjuvant treatment to permit complete surgical resection of a supratentorial anaplastic ependymoma recurring for the third time is described. DISCUSSION: This paper also discusses the possible use of chemotherapy as a strategy that may allow tumor shrinkage and ease tumor resection in giant recurring ependymomas.