It is relatively common for a Grade II or III ependymoma to grow or recur. Currently, there is no statistical data on patients who may have a higher likelihood of recurrence, but the CERN Foundation hopes to have new clinical trials for cancer available in the future.
Patients who experience a recurrence can live tumor-free for years before seeing any new growth. Recurrence is likely to occur in the same spot as the first tumor, but it is possible for the tumor to spread somewhere else within the central nervous system. Routine check-ups can help to detect growth or recurrence early on.
If you have learned of a recurrence of ependymoma, try not to be overly discouraged. After receiving the diagnosis and accepting your situation, you can begin to focus on making treatment decisions and start on your road toward recovery.
Patients who have previously received radiation therapy may not be able to treat a tumor with this same treatment. Instead, surgery and chemotherapy will be the most viable treatment options.
Remember, you are not obligated to undergo treatment at the same facility as your first time. Be sure to do research and be aware of your options. We encourage you to consider the various CERN Foundation Centers that offer expertise on ependymoma cancer.
Discuss your concerns, ask questions and connect with others who might be going through what you are. You can even connect with CERN members by visiting our forums to becoming a part of the CERN Community.