Astrocytoma glioma is the most common glioma (a form of brain cancer) that arises from cells called "astrocytes." They typically form in the cerebrum but can occur in most parts of the brain as well as the spinal cord. Treatment depends on the progression of the tumor and involves a combination of surgery, chemotherapy and radiation.
Types of Treatment
There are three primary methods of treatment for patients with astrocytoma glioma: surgery, radiation therapy and chemotherapy. When there is no possibility of neurological damage, surgery is the best method of treatment for patients with astrocytoma glioma. Radiation is typically used after surgery to kill any remaining cancer cells, while chemotherapy involves anti-cancer drugs typically used in conjunction with both surgery and radiation therapy.
Grade I
Grade 1 astrocytomas (pilocytic astrocytoma) are relatively uncommon tumors that can typically be cured by surgical removal (resection). Should parts of the tumor prove unable to be removed, there is a good chance the tumor will remain inactive, or conversely, be able to be treated successfully with radiation therapy.
Grade II
A Grade II astrocytoma (low-grade astrocytoma) is classified by the World Health Organization as "infiltrative." The cells of the tumor penetrate the brain, making surgical removal much more difficult. Those with astrocytoma gliomas that qualify as Grade II have a lower survival rate than those with oligodendrogliomas or mixed oligoastrocytomas.
While surgery is the first step in treatment, most of the time the tumor cannot be completely removed. As a result, follow-up chemotherapy or radiation will be recommended. Due to the invasive nature of these tumors, a recurrence is common, as well as the possibility of the tumor evolving into a Grade III or IV tumor.
Grade III
A Grade III astrocytoma glioma (anaplastic astrocytoma) presents with a variety of symptoms, including seizures, neurological impairment, headaches and altered mental status. The primary method of treatment for a Grade III tumor is surgery to remove as much as possible without impairing neurological function. Beyond this, radiation therapy has been shown to increase the chance of survival, while supplementary chemotherapy has proven to be relatively ineffective.
Grade IV
Grade IV tumors, called glioblastoma multiforme, is the most common form of brain tumor and the most malignant. Surgical removal of the tumor is still the most promising method of treatment, yet complete removal is impossible due to its invasive nature. Radiation therapy cannot completely cure the tumor, but it has been known to double the average survival rate. Beyond this, supplementary chemotherapy with temozolomide (a brain tumor drug) has shown to be beneficial in increasing the survival rate for patients with glioblastoma multiforme.
Should nothing work, the best form of treatment is symptom control and end-of-life care.
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