Astrocytoma
Symptoms, Doctors, Treatments, Advances & More

Astrocytoma Overview

Save information for later
Sign Up

Learn About Astrocytoma

View Main Condition: Brain Tumor

What is the definition of Astrocytoma?
Astrocytoma is a type of tumor that can occur in the brain or spinal cord. It originates from star-shaped cells called astrocytes that regulate electrical impulses in the brain. Astrocytomas are the most common form of glioma. Astrocytomas are classified into four different grades based on how aggressive the cancer is.  Grade 1 astrocytomas are the least aggressive. These tumors can be benign or slow-growing and are generally associated with long-term survival. This grade includes subependymomas and pilocytic astrocytomas.  Grade 2 astrocytomas are slow-growing tumors that may eventually develop into larger or more aggressive tumors.  Grade 3 astrocytomas are anaplastic (malignant) tumors. These grow more quickly than Grade 2. Grade 4 astrocytomas include glioblastoma multiforme, which is the most common primary brain tumor. Glioblastoma multiforme can quickly grow and spread to other parts of the brain, leading to seizures and other serious complications.
What are the symptoms of Astrocytoma?
Symptoms for astrocytoma vary depending on the grade of astrocytoma. Symptoms of Grade 1 and 2 astrocytomas are typically less severe than for Grade 3 and 4 astrocytomas.  Astrocytomas may cause headaches, nausea, fatigue, vision changes, or seizures. Depending on the location of the astrocytoma, other brain functions may also be impaired, possibly leading to difficulty speaking, loss of coordination, or paralysis. 
Not sure about your diagnosis?
Check Your Symptoms
What are the current treatments for Astrocytoma?
Treatment for astrocytoma depends on several factors based on the type, size, and location of the tumor. Most treatment plans are designed based on an individual patient's unique situation. In general, treatment for astrocytoma may include surgery, radiation therapy, and/or chemotherapy. Surgery to remove the tumor is generally the first step in treating astrocytoma. Depending on the tumor's location, surgery may be able to entirely remove smaller astrocytomas. However, if a tumor is located near a sensitive area in the brain, surgery may not be possible at all. Radiation therapy often follows surgery for the treatment of astrocytoma. Radiation therapy involves the use of high-energy beams, including X-rays or protons, to destroy tumor cells. Chemotherapy involves the use of drugs, either taken orally or injected through a vein, to kill tumor cells. Chemotherapy is often used in combination with radiation therapy.
Who are the top Astrocytoma Local Doctors?
Elite in Astrocytoma
Dr. Andrew J. Tsung
Neurosurgery
Elite in Astrocytoma
Dr. Andrew J. Tsung
Neurosurgery
Referral may be required

OSF Illinois Neurological Institute - Neurosurgery

200 East Pennsylvania Avenue, 
Peoria, IL 
309-624-4000
Languages Spoken:
English
See accepted insurances
Offers Telehealth

Andrew Tsung is a Neurosurgery provider practicing medicine in Peoria, Illinois. Dr. Tsung is rated as an Elite provider by MediFind in the treatment of Astrocytoma. He is also highly rated in 47 other conditions, according to our data. His clinical expertise encompasses Glioblastoma, Astrocytoma, Glioma, Awake Craniotomy, and Gamma Knife Radiosurgery. Dr. Tsung is board certified in American Board Of Neurological Surgery.

Elite in Astrocytoma
Dr. Patrick Y. Wen
Neurology
Elite in Astrocytoma
Dr. Patrick Y. Wen
Neurology
Referral may be required

Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Center For Neuro-Oncology

450 Brookline Avenue, 
Boston, MA 
617-632-2166
Languages Spoken:
English
See accepted insurances
Offers Telehealth

Patrick Wen is a Neurologist practicing medicine in Boston, Massachusetts. Dr. Wen is rated as an Elite provider by MediFind in the treatment of Astrocytoma. He is also highly rated in 26 other conditions, according to our data. His clinical expertise encompasses Glioblastoma, Astrocytoma, Glioma, and Brain Tumor. Dr. Wen is board certified in Neurology and Neuro-Oncology.

 
 
 
 
Learn about our expert tiers
Learn More
Elite in Astrocytoma
Dr. Roger Stupp
Hematology Oncology | Neurology | Hematology
Elite in Astrocytoma
Dr. Roger Stupp
Hematology Oncology | Neurology | Hematology
Referral may be required
675 N St Clair St Ste 20-100, Galter Pavilion, 
Chicago, IL 
312-695-4360
Experience:
39+ years
Languages Spoken:
English
See accepted insurances
Offers Telehealth

Roger Stupp is a Hematologist Oncology specialist and a Neurologist practicing medicine in Chicago, Illinois. He has been practicing medicine for over 39 years. Dr. Stupp is rated as an Elite provider by MediFind in the treatment of Astrocytoma. He is also highly rated in 16 other conditions, according to our data. His clinical expertise encompasses Astrocytoma, Glioblastoma, Glioma, and Gliomatosis Cerebri.

View All Doctors
What is the outlook (prognosis) for Astrocytoma?
The prognosis for individuals with astrocytoma is generally dependent on the grade of tumor. Individuals with Grade 1 and Grade 2 astrocytomas are often able to receive treatment before the tumor can spread or grow significantly. 
How do I prevent Astrocytoma?
There is currently no known way to prevent an astrocytoma. However, if you develop any symptoms common to an astrocytoma, it is recommended to make an appointment with your doctor to be properly diagnosed.
What are the latest Astrocytoma Clinical Trials?
Phase II Glioblastoma Accelerated Biomarkers Learning Environment Trial (GABLE)
Phase II Glioblastoma Accelerated Biomarkers Learning Environment Trial (GABLE)
Enrollment Status: Recruiting
Publish Date: June 18, 2026
Intervention Type: Drug, Procedure, Other
Study Phase: Phase 2

Summary: This phase II trial studies whether different imaging techniques can provide additional and more accurate information than the usual approach for assessing the activity of tumors in patients with newly diagnosed glioblastoma. The usual approach for this currently is magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). This study is trying to learn more about the meaning of changes in MRI scans after treatment, as wh...

Match to trials
Find the right clinical trials for you in under a minute
Get started
An Investigator-Initiated Clinical Trial to Evaluate the Safety, Tolerability, Dosimetry, and Preliminary Efficacy of [177Lu]Lu-DOTA-EB-RGD2 in Patients With Recurrent High-grade Glioma
An Investigator-Initiated Clinical Trial to Evaluate the Safety, Tolerability, Dosimetry, and Preliminary Efficacy of [177Lu]Lu-DOTA-EB-RGD2 in Patients With Recurrent High-grade Glioma
Enrollment Status: Recruiting
Publish Date: June 18, 2026
Intervention Type: Drug
Study Phase: Early Phase 1

Summary: This is an investigator-initiated, Phase I clinical trial. It aims to evaluate the safety, tolerability, dosimetry, and preliminary anti-tumor activity of a novel radiopharmaceutical, \[177Lu\]Lu-DOTA-EB-RGD2, in patients with recurrent high-grade gliomas. Participants will receive the drug either via intravenous infusion or directly into the tumor cavity through a pre-implanted Ommaya reservoir (...

View All Clinical Trials
What are some Advocacy Organizations?
keep-punching-brain-cancer

Keep Punching supports patients, healthcare providers, and researchers in their fight to prevent and eradicate brain cancer and minimize treatment-related side effects that may adversely impact function and comfort.