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Cent Eur Neurosurg 2010; 71(2): 80-87
DOI: 10.1055/s-0029-1234040
Review

© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Essentials and Pitfalls in the Treatment of CNS Hemangioblastomas and von Hippel-Lindau Disease

S. Gläsker1 , J. H. Klingler1 , K. Müller2 , C. Würtenberger1 , C. Hader3 , J. Zentner1 , H. P. H. Neumann4 , V. Van Velthoven1
  • 1Department of Neurosurgery, Freiburg University Medical Center, Freiburg, Germany
  • 2Department of Neuropathology, Freiburg University Medical Center, Freiburg, Germany
  • 3Department of Neuroradiology, Freiburg University Medical Center, Freiburg, Germany
  • 4Department of Nephrology and Hypertension, Freiburg University Medical Center, Freiburg, Germany
Further Information

Publication History

Publication Date:
12 March 2010 (online)

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Abstract

Hemangioblastomas are rare CNS tumors, which are mostly located in the posterior fossa or spinal cord and occasionally in spinal nerves. They can occur sporadically or as a component tumor of von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) disease, an autosomal dominant tumor syndrome. The limited awareness of several pitfalls in the therapy of these rare lesions results in delayed or suboptimal treatment for many of these patients, especially those with VHL disease. The University of Freiburg serves as a reference center for patients with VHL disease and hemangioblastomas. The current therapeutic strategies for hemangioblastoma patients and typical pitfalls are presented here.

Key words

hemangioblastoma - von Hippel-Lindau disease - tumor suppressor gene

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Correspondence

Prof. Dr. V. Van Velthoven

Neurozentrum

Neurosurgery

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79106 Freiburg

Germany

Phone: 00 49 761 2705023

Fax: 00 49 761 2705017

Email: vera.van-velthoven@uniklinik-freiburg.de