This astrocytic tumor is classified as a World Health Organization grade I tumor and is often curable.[1] (Refer to the Pilocytic astrocytoma section in the Classification section of this summary for more information.)

STANDARD TREATMENT OPTIONS:

1. Surgery alone if the tumor is totally resectable.
2. Surgery followed by radiation therapy to known or suspected residual tumor.[2]

TREATMENT OPTIONS UNDER CLINICAL EVALUATION:

• At recurrence following surgery, patients should be considered for reoperation and radiation therapy if not previously given. Patients who have received radiation therapy should be considered candidates for nitrosourea-based chemotherapies, for temozolomide, or for clinical trials that evaluate new drugs and biological response modifiers. Information about ongoing clinical trials is available from the NCI Web site.

References:

1. Wallner KE, Gonzales MF, Edwards MS, et al.: Treatment results of juvenile pilocytic astrocytoma. J Neurosurg 69 (2): 171-6, 1988.
2. Shaw EG, Daumas-Duport C, Scheithauer BW, et al.: Radiation therapy in the management of low-grade supratentorial astrocytomas. J Neurosurg 70 (6): 853-61, 1989.