ATYPICAL CENTRAL NEUROCYTOMA: AN INVESTIGATION OF PROGNOSTIC FACTORS.

OBJECTIVE Central neurocytoma (CN) is a rare nervous tissue benign neoplasm. A subset of CN has unfamiliar aggressive tendency so called "atypical central neurocytomas" (ACN). This retrospective study aims to analyze the prognostic factors, the impact of various therapy tools on (ACN). MATERIAL AND METHODS twenty-two patients diagnosed with (ACN) in the period between January 2009 and March 2018 were included. Data were collected including the patient's age, gender, tumor location, presenting symptoms and treatment received. Patients were followed up to detect recurrence and to asses' survival. RESULTS Median overall survival (OAS) was 57months, with a 5-year survival of 35%.Better survival was observed for patients < 35 years (66 versus 47 months, P=0.061), and patients with gross total resection (GTR) over subtotal or biopsy; (76,45 and 22 months respectively, P<0.0001). Patients with a tumor located in the posterior half of the lateral ventricle had better survival with no statistical significance (P=0.053). Multivariate analysis showed prognostic significance with the extent of resection (P=0.000). Progression-free survival (PFS) ranged from 6-82 months with a median value of 38 months, it showed a significant relation with subtotal resection when compared to biopsy (P=0.006). Recurrences were less in patients who received radiotherapy and was statistically significant (P=0.007). CONCLUSION Long term survival is possible for patients with atypical central neurocytomas treated with surgery and post-operative radiation. Multivariate analysis confirmed that (GTR) was independent prognostic factors for survival. Adjuvant radiotherapy reduces tumor recurrence, especially after incomplete surgery.