Salvage chemotherapy for metastatic and recurrent ependymoma of childhood.

INTRODUCTION: Chemotherapy has limited role in the up-front management of ependymoma. At the time of recurrence, the role of chemotherapy is also ill defined and the choice of chemotherapeutic agents is often arbitrary, based on anecdotal data and personal experience. METHODS: The purpose of this review is to describe and critically analyze the published literature on chemotherapy in patients with recurrent and metastatic ependymoma. DISCUSSION: The disappointing response rate with single agents (12.9%) and combinations (17.4%) emphasizes the need to re-evaluate the current chemotherapeutic approach of intracranial ependymoma, and biological studies are needed to identify targets that may be considered for clinical trials.