Surgery with radiotherapy with or without chemotherapy and trials using advanced radiotherapy techniques and experimental drugs are used. They are most common in older adults and affect more men than women. Ependymomas Grade depends on location of the tumor and whether it is in the spinal fluid. Do not usually spread into normal brain tissue. Can block exits for cerebrospinal fluid and cause hydrocephalus.
Treatment depends on grade and location.
Low-grade, particularly those on spinal cord, can often be removed and cured with surgery. Also affects adults. Surgery alone or followed by radiotherapy. For those who fail radiotherapy, possible use of nitrosourea-based chemotherapies or investigative drugs. Usually affects adults.