The management of WHO grade II ependymoma of the spinal cord is guided by the extent of surgical resection achieved. The recommended postoperative approach differs substantially depending on whether the tumour was completely or incompletely removed.
This protocol applies to patients with WHO grade II ependymoma arising in the spinal cord. The key decision point following surgery is the degree of resection: gross total resection leads to one recommended course, while incomplete resection indicates a different, more active postoperative strategy.
When gross total resection is achieved, a watch-and-wait approach is recommended. When resection is incomplete, additional postoperative intervention is indicated.
For patients with incomplete resection of a WHO grade II spinal cord ependymoma, the protocol involves postoperative local radiotherapy. Specific dose parameters, eligibility criteria, and the full structured regimen are contained in the complete protocol.
DOI: 10.1093/neuonc/nox166