Response of subependymal giant cell astrocytoma with spinal cord metastasis to everolimus.

BACKGROUND

Brain subependymal giant cell astrocytomas (SEGAs) in patients with tuberous sclerosis have been reported to respond to everolimus.

METHODS

A 15-year-old male patient with intractable seizures and multiple SEGAs of the brain developed leptomeningeal enhancement and multiple metastatic, histologically confirmed SEGAs of the spinal cord. He received daily everolimus at a dose of 3 mg/m for 6 weeks, which was then increased to 6 mg/m.

RESULTS

Magnetic resonance image of the brain and spine showed significant reduction in the size of SEGAs after 6 weeks of treatment. The patient has remained free of progression for 24 months. Additional benefits included: excellent seizure control, decrease in the size of cardiac rhabdomyomas, and improved quality of life.

CONCLUSIONS

We describe a rare case of metastatic SEGA, which was successfully treated with everolimus.