Astrocytoma
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Astrocytoma Overview

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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. 
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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

OSF Illinois Neurological Institute - Neurosurgery

200 East Pennsylvania Avenue, 
Peoria, IL 
309-624-4000
Languages Spoken:
English
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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

Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Center For Neuro-Oncology

450 Brookline Avenue, 
Boston, MA 
617-632-2166
Languages Spoken:
English
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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.

 
 
 
 
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Elite in Astrocytoma
Dr. Roger Stupp
Hematology Oncology | Neurology | Hematology
Elite in Astrocytoma
Dr. Roger Stupp
Hematology Oncology | Neurology | Hematology
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 17 other conditions, according to our data. His clinical expertise encompasses Astrocytoma, Glioblastoma, Glioma, and Gliomatosis Cerebri.

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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?
A Global, Multicenter, Prospective, Controlled, Open-Label Pivotal Study of Iodofalan (131I) Solution for Injection (TLX101-Tx) Plus Lomustine Versus Lomustine Alone in Patients With Radiographically Confirmed Recurrent Glioblastoma at First Recurrence (IPAX BrIGHT [IPAX-3])
A Global, Multicenter, Prospective, Controlled, Open-Label Pivotal Study of Iodofalan (131I) Solution for Injection (TLX101-Tx) Plus Lomustine Versus Lomustine Alone in Patients With Radiographically Confirmed Recurrent Glioblastoma at First Recurrence (IPAX BrIGHT [IPAX-3])
Enrollment Status: Recruiting
Publish Date: April 16, 2026
Intervention Type: Combination product, Radiation
Study Phase: Phase 3

Summary: This global clinical trial which evaluates the efficacy and safety of TLX101-Tx, an investigational radiopharmaceutical therapy, in combination with lomustine versus lomustine alone in adult patients with first recurrence of glioblastoma. TLX101-Tx delivers targeted radiation to glioblastoma cells. The trial is conducted in two parts: Part 1 assesses safety and radiation dosing; Part 2 is a random...

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Ultrasound Imaging in Brain Tumour Surgery With the Use of SonoClear® System Mimicking Brain Tissue.
Ultrasound Imaging in Brain Tumour Surgery With the Use of SonoClear® System Mimicking Brain Tissue.
Enrollment Status: Recruiting
Publish Date: April 16, 2026
Intervention Type: Device
Study Phase: Not Applicable

Summary: The objective of this clinical investigation is to assess the safety and performance of the SonoClear® System. Performance will be assessed by analysis of the contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) and assessment of image quality by using the Surgeon Image Rating (SIR) Scale. This is a prospective, multi-centre single arm study where the performance of the SonoClear® System relative to routinely used acous...

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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.