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. Henry S. Friedman
Neurosurgery | Hematology | Oncology
Elite in Astrocytoma
Dr. Henry S. Friedman
Neurosurgery | Hematology | Oncology
Referral may be required

Duke Cancer Center Brain Tumor Clinic

20 Duke Medicine Cir, 
Durham, NC 
919-684-5301
Languages Spoken:
English
See accepted insurances
Accepting New Patients
Offers Telehealth

Henry Friedman is a Neurosurgery specialist and a Hematologist practicing medicine in Durham, North Carolina. Dr. Friedman is rated as an Elite provider by MediFind in the treatment of Astrocytoma. He is also highly rated in 18 other conditions, according to our data. His clinical expertise encompasses Glioma, Astrocytoma, Glioblastoma, and Brain Tumor. Dr. Friedman is board certified in American Board Of Pediatrics, General Pediatrics and American Board Of Pediatrics, Pediatric Hematology-Oncology. Dr. Friedman is currently accepting new patients.

Elite in Astrocytoma
Dr. Ricardo J. Komotar
Oncology | Neurosurgery
Elite in Astrocytoma
Dr. Ricardo J. Komotar
Oncology | Neurosurgery
Referral may be required
1295 Northwest 14th Street, 
Miami, FL 
305-243-6946
Languages Spoken:
English, Spanish
See accepted insurances
Accepting New Patients
Offers Telehealth

Ricardo Komotar is an Oncologist and a Neurosurgery provider practicing medicine in Miami, Florida. Dr. Komotar is rated as an Elite provider by MediFind in the treatment of Astrocytoma. He is also highly rated in 57 other conditions, according to our data. His clinical expertise encompasses Brain Tumor, Meningioma, Glioblastoma, Awake Craniotomy, and Posterior Fossa Decompression. Dr. Komotar is currently accepting new patients.

 
 
 
 
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Elite in Astrocytoma
Elite in Astrocytoma
Referral may be required

Duke Cancer Center Brain Tumor Clinic

20 Duke Medicine Cir, 
Durham, NC 
919-684-5301
Languages Spoken:
English, German
See accepted insurances
Accepting New Patients
Offers Telehealth

Allan Friedman is a Neurosurgery provider practicing medicine in Durham, North Carolina. Dr. Friedman is rated as an Elite provider by MediFind in the treatment of Astrocytoma. He is also highly rated in 43 other conditions, according to our data. His clinical expertise encompasses Glioma, Astrocytoma, Glioblastoma, Awake Craniotomy, and Laminectomy. Dr. Friedman is board certified in American Board Of Neurological Surgery, Neurological Surgery. Dr. Friedman 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?
A Randomized, Open-label, Multicentric, Two-arm Pivotal Trial of SonoCloud-9 Combined With Carboplatin (CBDCA) vs Standard of Care Lomustine (CCNU) or Temozolomide (TMZ) in Patients Undergoing Planned Resection for First Recurrence Glioblastoma.
A Randomized, Open-label, Multicentric, Two-arm Pivotal Trial of SonoCloud-9 Combined With Carboplatin (CBDCA) vs Standard of Care Lomustine (CCNU) or Temozolomide (TMZ) in Patients Undergoing Planned Resection for First Recurrence Glioblastoma.
Enrollment Status: Recruiting
Publish Date: September 08, 2026
Intervention Type: Drug, Device
Study Phase: Phase 3

Summary: The brain is protected from any toxic or inflammatory molecule by the blood-brain barrier (BBB). This physical barrier is located at the level of the blood vessel walls. Because of these barrier properties, the blood vessels are also impermeable to the passage of therapeutic molecules from the blood to the brain. The development of effective treatments against glioblastoma is thus limited due to t...

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A Phase 2, Single Arm, Open-label Study to Assess the Safety, Tolerability, Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics of Vorasidenib in Pediatric Participants Aged 12 to < 18 Years Old With Grade 2 Astrocytoma or Oligodendroglioma With an IDH1 or IDH2 Mutation
A Phase 2, Single Arm, Open-label Study to Assess the Safety, Tolerability, Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics of Vorasidenib in Pediatric Participants Aged 12 to < 18 Years Old With Grade 2 Astrocytoma or Oligodendroglioma With an IDH1 or IDH2 Mutation
Enrollment Status: Recruiting
Publish Date: September 08, 2026
Intervention Type: Drug
Study Phase: Phase 2

Summary: The objective of this study is to evaluate the safety, tolerability, efficacy profile, and effect on growth and development of vorasidenib in pediatric participants aged 12 to \< 18 years old with grade 2 glioma with an IDH1 or IDH2 mutation. The study includes a screening period, a treatment period consisting of continuous 28-day cycles of treatment, a safety follow-up period and a long-term foll...

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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.