This study investigates the effectiveness of maintenance chemotherapy compared to observation in young patients with newly diagnosed ependymoma, a type of brain tumor. Ependymoma can be classified into different types, such as classic or anaplastic, which are determined by examining the tumor cells. The study aims to understand how well patients do without the disease coming back or spreading.

Participants in this study will receive either maintenance chemotherapy, which includes drugs like vincristine sulfate, cisplatin, etoposide, and cyclophosphamide, or they will be observed following surgery and radiation therapy. Maintenance chemotherapy is additional treatment given to prevent cancer from returning. The study will compare the outcomes of these two approaches to see which is more effective.

• Who can participate: Children with newly diagnosed intracranial ependymoma, specifically classic or anaplastic types, are eligible. Patients must not have metastatic disease or certain other types of ependymoma. They must not have received prior treatment other than surgery and corticosteroids.
• Study details: Participants will either receive maintenance chemotherapy or be observed after surgery and radiation therapy. Maintenance chemotherapy involves taking medicines that aim to prevent the cancer from returning. Participants will not be paid for their participation.