Overview
Astrocytoma is a type of brain tumor that originates from astrocytes, the star-shaped glial cells in the brain and spinal cord that support and nourish neurons. Astrocytomas are part of a broader category known as gliomas and are classified based on their grade (I to IV), which reflects how fast the tumor grows and how likely it is to spread.
- Grade I (Pilocytic Astrocytoma): Typically benign and slow-growing, often seen in children.
- Grade II (Diffuse Astrocytoma): Infiltrative, slow-growing but may progress.
- Grade III (Anaplastic Astrocytoma): Malignant, faster-growing.
- Grade IV (Glioblastoma): Most aggressive form.
Symptoms
Symptoms vary depending on the tumor’s size and location in the brain but may include:
- Headaches (often worse in the morning)
- Seizures
- Nausea and vomiting
- Personality or behavior changes
- Weakness or numbness in parts of the body
- Difficulty with speech, vision, or coordination
Causes & Risk Factors
The exact causes of astrocytoma are not fully understood, but factors may include:
- Genetic mutations (e.g., TP53, IDH1/IDH2)
- Family history of gliomas
- Radiation exposure (especially to the head during childhood)
- Age: Low-grade tumors are more common in younger individuals, while high-grade forms are more frequent in adults
Diagnosis
Astrocytoma is diagnosed using:
- MRI scan with contrast: To visualize the tumor’s location and characteristics
- CT scan: Sometimes used for initial assessment
- Biopsy: To determine the grade and molecular profile
- Molecular testing: For IDH mutations, 1p/19q co-deletion, MGMT promoter methylation, and ATRX loss
Treatment Options
Treatment depends on the tumor grade, size, location, and genetic characteristics:
- Surgery: Primary option for tumor removal
- Radiation therapy: Often used for intermediate to high-grade tumors
- Chemotherapy: Temozolomide is commonly used for Grade III and IV astrocytomas
- Targeted therapy and clinical trials: For selected molecular subtypes
- Observation: Sometimes recommended for asymptomatic low-grade tumors
Prognosis
Prognosis varies significantly by tumor grade:
• Grade I (Pilocytic): Excellent prognosis; high long-term survival
• Grade II (Diffuse): May remain stable for years, but often progresses
• Grade III (Anaplastic): Median survival 2–5 years
• Grade IV (Glioblastoma): Median survival ~12–15 months
Prognosis improves with younger age, complete surgical resection, and favorable molecular markers (e.g., IDH mutation, MGMT methylation).
Living with this Cancer Type
Prognosis varies significantly by tumor grade:
- Grade I (Pilocytic): Excellent prognosis; high long-term survival
- Grade II (Diffuse): May remain stable for years, but often progresses
- Grade III (Anaplastic): Median survival 2–5 years
- Grade IV (Glioblastoma): Median survival ~12–15 months
Prognosis improves with younger age, complete surgical resection, and favorable molecular markers (e.g., IDH mutation, MGMT methylation).
Prevention & Screening
- No established screening protocol
- Minimize unnecessary radiation exposure, especially in children
- Genetic counseling for families with hereditary glioma syndromes (e.g., Li-Fraumeni)
FAQs
- Q: Is astrocytoma cancerous?
- A: Low-grade astrocytomas are considered benign or slow-growing. High-grade astrocytomas are malignant and aggressive.
- Q: Can astrocytomas come back after treatment?
- A: Yes, recurrence is common, especially in higher grades.
- Q: Can children get astrocytoma?
- A: Yes, particularly Grade I (pilocytic) astrocytomas are common in pediatric patients.
- Q: What’s the difference between astrocytoma and glioblastoma?
- A: Glioblastoma is a Grade IV astrocytoma — the most aggressive form.
Resources
N/A
Understand Precision Testing
Learn how liquid biopsy and chemo sensitivity testing can personalize your treatment plan.
Make Informed Decisions
Gain knowledge to actively participate in treatment discussions with your healthcare team.
Improve Treatment Outcomes
Discover how precision medicine and metabolic therapies can enhance treatment effectiveness.
Start Your Educational Journey Today
Empower yourself with knowledge about precision metabolic oncology and take an active role in your cancer care journey.
Need More Information?
Our team of oncology experts is here to help you understand your diagnosis and treatment options.