Medulloblastoma--a changing prognosis?

87 of 90 consecutive cases of medulloblastoma diagnosed at The Hospital for Sick Children, London, in the 10-year period 1965-74 were followed-up until death or until 1 January 1978. Only one patient survived in the 1st 5-year period and is a cure. In the 2nd 5-year period 17 (41%) of 41 patients presenting are alive and, of these, 11 are 5-year survivors (=39% of possible 5-year survivors). Reasons for this improvement are discussed; it is thought likely that the main contribution is improved radiotherapeutic techniques.