Ependymoma Overview

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Learn About Ependymoma

View Main Condition: Brain Tumor

What is the definition of Ependymoma?
An ependymoma is a type of tumor which mainly occurs in young children that affects the brain or spinal cord. Ependymomas arise from the ependymal cells lining the passageways where cerebrospinal fluid flows. Ependymomas are categorized by grades based on their characteristics: Grade I ependymomas are considered to be slow growing, low-grade tumors; Grade II ependymomas may occur in the brain or spine and are also considered to be low-grade tumors; Grade III ependymomas are malignant (cancer), fast-growing tumors that most often occur in the brain and sometimes the spine. Rarely, an ependymoma can occur in the ovaries.
What are the symptoms of Ependymoma?
The symptoms of an ependymoma depend on the area of the brain or spinal cord affected, and in the brain may include headaches, nausea and vomiting, or dizziness. In the spinal cord, an ependymoma may cause numbness and weakness in the arms, legs, or trunk and sexual, urinary, or bowel problems. Symptoms of an ependymoma in children may include headache and seizures. In adults, ependymoma more frequently occurs in the spinal cord, causing weakness in areas of the body controlled by spinal nerves affected by the tumor.
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What are the current treatments for Ependymoma?
Treatment for an ependymoma is individualized, with the main treatment being surgical removal of the tumor. For tumors that cannot be treated with surgery or fully removed, radiosurgery, radiation therapy, or chemotherapy may be used.
Who are the top Ependymoma Local Doctors?
Nina Paleologos
Distinguished in Ependymoma
Dr. Nina Paleologos
Psychiatry | Neurology
Distinguished in Ependymoma
Dr. Nina Paleologos
Psychiatry | Neurology

Advocate Medical Group Neurosurgery

3551 Highland Ave Ste, Ste 200A, 
Downers Grove, IL 
847-723-4088
Languages Spoken:
English
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Nina Paleologos is a Psychiatrist and a Neurologist in Downers Grove, Illinois. Dr. Paleologos is rated as a Distinguished provider by MediFind in the treatment of Ependymoma. Her top areas of expertise are Oligodendroglioma, Glioma, Glioblastoma, and Astrocytoma.

Anthony L. Asher
Distinguished in Ependymoma
Dr. Anthony L. Asher
Neurosurgery
Distinguished in Ependymoma
Dr. Anthony L. Asher
Neurosurgery

Carolinas Medical Center

1000 Blythe Blvd., 
Charlotte, NC 
704-355-2000
Languages Spoken:
English
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Accepting New Patients
Offers Telehealth

Anthony Asher is a Neurosurgery provider in Charlotte, North Carolina. Dr. Asher is rated as a Distinguished provider by MediFind in the treatment of Ependymoma. His top areas of expertise are Spondylolisthesis, Cervical Myelopathy, Brain Tumor, Laminectomy, and Spinal Fusion. Dr. Asher is currently accepting new patients.

 
 
 
 
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Glenn J. Lesser
Distinguished in Ependymoma
Dr. Glenn J. Lesser
Oncology | Hematology
Distinguished in Ependymoma
Dr. Glenn J. Lesser
Oncology | Hematology

Wake Forest University Health Sciences

Medical Ctr Blvd, 
Winston Salem, NC 
336-716-2734
Languages Spoken:
English
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Accepting New Patients

Glenn Lesser is an Oncologist and a Hematologist in Winston Salem, North Carolina. Dr. Lesser is rated as a Distinguished provider by MediFind in the treatment of Ependymoma. His top areas of expertise are Brain Tumor, Glioblastoma, Astrocytoma, Glioma, and Bone Marrow Aspiration. Dr. Lesser is currently accepting new patients.

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What are the latest Ependymoma Clinical Trials?
Fourth Ventricular Administration of Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor (Nivolumab) and Methotrexate or 5-Azacytidine for Recurrent Medulloblastoma, Ependymoma, and Other CNS Malignancies
Fourth Ventricular Administration of Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor (Nivolumab) and Methotrexate or 5-Azacytidine for Recurrent Medulloblastoma, Ependymoma, and Other CNS Malignancies
Enrollment Status: Recruiting
Publish Date: October 15, 2025
Intervention Type: Drug
Study Phase: Phase 1

Summary: The goal of this clinical trial is to assess the safety, toxicity, and antitumor activity of fourth ventricular infusions of nivolumab plus 5-azacytidine for recurrent ependymoma and nivolumab plus methotrexate for recurrent medulloblastoma and other CNS malignancies. Additionally, the study will explore immunologic responses to nivolumab. The hypothesis is that local administration of nivolumab, ...

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A Prospective Natural History Study of Patients With Neurofibromatosis Type 2 (NF2).
A Prospective Natural History Study of Patients With Neurofibromatosis Type 2 (NF2).
Enrollment Status: Recruiting
Publish Date: October 07, 2025

Summary: Objective With this prospective natural experiment trial on neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2) study, we hope to understand the factors leading to tumor progression and neurological disease burden in NF2. Study Population A total of 269 participants, ages 8-75, with a clinical or genetic diagnosis of NF2 will participate in this study. Design Study participants will be evaluated with a thorough physic...

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