Maarten's tumor is called ependymoma and it exists of cells that are lining the different compartments of the brain. These type of cells can only grow in the brain and sometimes in the spinal cord, but not in the rest of the body. It is the third most common brain tumor in kids and it is treated by surgery and radiation.
After the surgery to remove the tumor, the doctors decided to do chemotherapy until Maarten turned 1 year old in hopes to prevent the tumor from returning. Preferably, kids should be at least 3 years old to undergo radiation therapy to the brain, and if that is not possible, then at least 1 year old. Unfortunately, the chemo was not efficient in Maarten. The tumor has reformed, although, removal is too risky. Currently, they're administering proton radiation in Boston in hopes to stop future cancer and eliminate the new tumor.
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