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| Patient Education -- Brain Tumor |
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Brain Tumor
Astrocytomas are a type of brain tumor that originate
from cells called astrocytes, which are part of the supporting
structure of the brain. Because astrocytomas arise from
the brain itself they are considered to be a type of primary
tumor. Tumors that arise elsewhere in the body and travel
to the brain are known as secondary tumors (or metastatic
tumors). Astrocytomas are the most common primary brain
tumor.
Approximately 12,000 people in the United States are diagnosed
with an astrocytoma each year. There are different types
of astrocytomas, and these lesions are classified into
different categories according to their appearance under
a microscope. This classification is important because,
unlike other primary brain tumors, the appearance of an
astrocytoma will often predict its behavior and, therefore,
a patient's prognosis.
Astrocytomas are generally classified (graded) into one
of three types: Low grade astrocytomas, anaplastic astrocytomas
or glioblastoma multiforme (GBM). Low grade astrocytomas
make up 10% of astrocytomas. These tumors are typically
slow growing and may not require specific treatment at
the time of diagnosis. When treatment is indicated, often
surgery and/or radiation are prescribed. Although many
patients with low grade astrocytomas live for prolonged
periods of time after their diagnosis, most individuals
with these tumors ultimately experience transformation
of their tumors into more rapidly growing forms.
Anaplastic astrocytomas and GBM are the most aggressive
and, unfortunately, the most common astrocytomas. They
are known as malignant astrocytomas and can grow at very
rapid rates. The principal treatment options for these
tumors have been surgery, radiation and/or chemotherapy.
Despite aggressive therapy, however, these tumors generally
recur and can result in significant impairment and limited
survival.
Because traditional treatment modalities are unlikely
to result in a prolonged remission of malignant astrocytomas,
scientists and clinicians are presently investigating
a number of promising new treatments including gene therapy,
highly focused radiation therapy, immunotherapy and novel
chemotherapies. A number of new treatments are being made
available on an investigational basis at centers specializing
in brain tumor therapies across the nation.
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