Evaluating the Utility of Atypical Central Neurocytoma Classification and Treatment Strategies

Background The classification and treatment of atypical central neurocytomas (CNs) remain controversial. This study aimed to explore the optimal treatment strategy for this condition. Methods We retrospectively analyzed data from 61 patients with CNs who underwent surgery at a single institution. Results The five-year overall survival (OS) rate (P = 0.015) and progression-free survival (PFS) rate (P = 0.000002) were significantly higher in the complete resection (CR) group compared to the incomplete resection (IR) group. Postoperative radiotherapy did not affect OS (P = 0.255) or PFS (P = 0.398) in the CR group. However, the five-year PFS rate (P = 0.000038) was significantly longer in patients in the CR group who did not receive radiotherapy compared to those in the IR group who did receive radiotherapy. The extent of surgical resection and operative approaches were found to be irrelevant to perioperative complications and dysfunctions at the last follow-up. Conclusion CR is the optimal therapeutic approach for atypical CNs, and radiotherapy is not necessary for patients who undergo complete tumor resection. Although the previous definition of atypical CNs may not have significant prognostic value, the overexpression of ten genes may be involved in malignant behaviors and may serve as potential candidate hallmarks for differentiating atypical CNs.