Learn About Astrocytoma

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.
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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?
JD
Dr. John F. De Groot
Neurology
Elite
Highly rated in
16
conditions
Neurology

University of Texas System

Ucsf Medical Group Business Services

1515 Holcombe Blvd 
Houston, TX 77030

John De Groot is a Neurologist in Houston, Texas. Dr. De Groot has been practicing medicine for over 24 years and is rated as an Elite doctor by MediFind in the treatment of Astrocytoma. He is also highly rated in 16 other conditions, according to our data. His top areas of expertise are Glioblastoma, Astrocytoma, Glioma, and Gliomatosis Cerebri. He is licensed to treat patients in Texas. Dr. De Groot is currently accepting new patients.

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RL
Dr. Rimas V. Lukas
Hematology Oncology | Neurology
Elite
Highly rated in
31
conditions
Hematology Oncology
Neurology

Northwestern Medicine

Northwestern Medicine Primary And Specialty Care Lavin Family Pavilion

259 E Erie St 
Chicago, IL 60611

Rimas Lukas is a Hematologist Oncology specialist and a Neurologist in Chicago, Illinois. Dr. Lukas has been practicing medicine for over 20 years and is rated as an Elite doctor by MediFind in the treatment of Astrocytoma. He is also highly rated in 31 other conditions, according to our data. His top areas of expertise are Glioblastoma, Glioma, Astrocytoma, and Gliomatosis Cerebri. He is licensed to treat patients in Illinois. Dr. Lukas is currently accepting new patients.

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SW
Dr. Shiao-pei S. Weathers
Neurology
Elite
Highly rated in
20
conditions
Neurology

University of Texas System

Physicians Referral Service

1515 Holcombe Blvd 
Houston, TX 77030

Shiao-pei Weathers is a Neurologist in Houston, Texas. Dr. Weathers has been practicing medicine for over 13 years and is rated as an Elite doctor by MediFind in the treatment of Astrocytoma. She is also highly rated in 20 other conditions, according to our data. Her top areas of expertise are Glioblastoma, Astrocytoma, Glioma, and Oligodendroglioma. She is licensed to treat patients in Michigan and Texas. Dr. Weathers is currently accepting new patients.

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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?
Safety and Feasibility of MR-guided Laser Thermal Ablation of Brain Lesion Using the Tranberg® Thermal Therapy System and Tranberg® Thermoguide Workstation
Status: Not yet recruiting
Start Date: April 2022
Intervention Type: Device
Phase: Not Applicable
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Summary: This will be an open-label, pilot, exploratory, single centre clinical investigation. This is an early feasibility single arm study. No formal hypothesis is proposed. A total of up to 5 evaluable subjects receiving a non-radical ablation is planned.~The safety and feasibility outcomes will be measured directly post-treatment, 48h and 3 months post-treatment.~A minimal invasive neurosurgical approa...
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Single-arm Dose-escalation Phase 1/2 Study of Olaptesed Pegol (NOX-A12) in Combination With Irradiation in Inoperable or Partially Resected First-line Glioblastoma Patients With Unmethylated MGMT Promoter With a 3-arm Expansion Group Including Fully Resected Patients and Combination With Bevacizumab or Pembrolizumab
Who is this study for: Adult patients with Glioblastoma
Status: Recruiting
Start Date: September 12, 2019
Intervention Type: Drug, Radiation
Study Drugs: Pembrolizumab, Bevacizumab
Phase: Phase 1/Phase 2
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Summary: The purpose of this study is to obtain first, exploratory information on the safety and efficacy of (i) olaptesed pegol in combination with radiation therapy in patients with newly diagnosed glioblastoma of unmethylated MGMT promoter status either not amenable to resection (biopsy only) or after incomplete tumor resection, (ii) olaptesed pegol in combination with radiation therapy and bevacizumab ...
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What are the Latest Advances for Astrocytoma?
Laser Interstitial Thermal Therapy in Grade 2/3 IDH1/2 Mutant Gliomas: A Preliminary Report and Literature Review.
Condition: Grade 2/3 IDH1/2 Gliomas
Journal: Current oncology (Toronto, Ont.)
Treatment Used: Laser Interstitial Thermal Therapy (LITT)
Number of Patients: 0
Published: April 21, 2022
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Summary: Laser Interstitial Thermal Therapy in Grade 2/3 IDH1/2 Mutant Gliomas: A Preliminary Report and Literature Review.
Final Report on Clinical Outcomes and Tumor Recurrence Patterns of a Pilot Study Assessing Efficacy of Belinostat (PXD-101) with Chemoradiation for Newly Diagnosed Glioblastoma.
Condition: Glioblastoma (GBM)
Journal: Tomography (Ann Arbor, Mich.)
Treatment Used: Belinostat with Chemoradiation
Number of Patients: 13
Published: March 22, 2022
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Summary: Final Report on Clinical Outcomes and Tumor Recurrence Patterns of a Pilot Study Assessing Efficacy of Belinostat (PXD-101) with Chemoradiation for Newly Diagnosed Glioblastoma.
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Prognosis of Patients With Brainstem Glioblastoma Based on "age, surgery and radiotherapy": A SEER Database Analysis.
Condition: Brainstem Glioblastoma
Journal: Technology in cancer research & treatment
Treatment Used: Radiotherapy and Chemotherapy
Number of Patients: 232
Published: March 21, 2022
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Summary: Prognosis of Patients With Brainstem Glioblastoma Based on "age, surgery and radiotherapy": A SEER Database Analysis.
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What are some Advocacy Organizations?
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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.