Article Text
Abstract
Atypical rhabdoid tumours (AT/RTs) of pineal origin are rare in adults with rapid progression and poor prognosis. We present the case of a 71-year-old man with confusion and memory loss who was diagnosed with a pineal AT/RT after genetic analysis. Due to his limited functional capacity and goal to return home with family, a multidisciplinary care approach was essential for coordination of medical management, radiation treatment and acute inpatient rehabilitation. After diagnosis and rehabilitation, his functional ability improved allowing him to tolerate cranial irradiation, initiate systemic chemotherapy and eventually returned home for a brief period with an improved quality of life. His progress was temporary due to rapid progression of the tumour. He required additional aggressive oncological treatment and was admitted for subsequent inpatient rehabilitation before opting for hospice care. This case underscores the importance of a multidisciplinary approach to cancer treatment in a patient with a rare and aggressive brain tumour, while respecting the individual goals of patients and their families.
- cancer intervention
- neurooncology
- rehabilitation medicine
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Footnotes
Twitter @MKrill23
Contributors MKK and SJ contributed to the planning, conduct, reporting and writing of the work described in the manuscript. AEF contributed to the reporting and writing of the work described in the manuscript. All parties were involved with revising the manuscript.
Funding The authors have not declared a specific grant for this research from any funding agency in the public, commercial or not-for-profit sectors.
Competing interests None declared.
Patient consent for publication Not required.
Provenance and peer review Not commissioned; externally peer reviewed.