Astrocytoma

Astrocytoma is a type of primary brain tumor that arises from astrocytes, the star-shaped glial cells that support neurons in the central nervous system. Astrocytomas represent one of the most common types of glioma and can occur anywhere in the brain or spinal cord. They are classified by the World Health Organization (WHO) into grades ranging from low-grade (grade 1-2), which are slow-growing, to high-grade (grade 3-4), which are aggressive and fast-growing. Grade 4 astrocytoma, historically known as glioblastoma multiforme, is the most malignant form. Symptoms depend on tumor location and size but commonly include headaches, seizures, nausea and vomiting, cognitive or personality changes, focal neurological deficits such as weakness or speech difficulties, and visual disturbances. Most astrocytomas occur sporadically, though a small proportion arise in the context of hereditary cancer predisposition syndromes such as Li-Fraumeni syndrome (TP53 mutations), neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1 mutations), or tuberous sclerosis complex. Key molecular alterations frequently identified in astrocytomas include IDH1/IDH2 mutations, TP53 mutations, ATRX loss, and in glioblastoma, EGFR amplification, TERT promoter mutations, and chromosome 7 gain/chromosome 10 loss. These molecular markers are now integral to diagnosis and classification. Treatment depends on tumor grade, location, and molecular profile. For low-grade astrocytomas, surgical resection may be curative or followed by observation. High-grade astrocytomas typically require a multimodal approach including maximal safe surgical resection, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy with temozolomide. Despite advances in treatment, high-grade astrocytomas, particularly glioblastoma, carry a poor prognosis with median survival of approximately 15 months. Emerging therapies include tumor-treating fields (TTFields), targeted therapies, and immunotherapy approaches currently under investigation in clinical trials. Pilocytic astrocytoma (WHO grade 1), most common in children, generally has an excellent prognosis following complete surgical resection.

Data sourced from FDA regulatory filings and ClinicalTrials.gov. Updated periodically.

Common questions about Astrocytoma