Long-Term Neuroanatomical Effects Of Germ Cell Tumors After Cranial Radiation Therapy

As improved treatments have increased survival rates for pediatric brain tumor patients, there is an urgent need to study the long-term sequelae of treatment. Central nervous system (CNS) germ cell tumors constitute a form of neoplasm that is normally treated with chemotherapy and/or cranial radiation therapy (CRT). Starting from an MRI dataset of patients with such tumors at Childrens Hospital Los Angeles, we aim to understand the morphological effects of CRT on brain structures. The current study examines the long-term effects of radiation dosage on the brainstem, corpus callosum, and ventricles post- radiation therapy. The results of the analysis showed a significant association among brain structure areas and radiation dosage received. These preliminary findings point to deleterious effects of radiation treatment on brain anatomy.