Abstract
The results of treatment of astrocytic tumors are reviewed. Astrocytic tumors are oncopathologically defined as carcinomas of the brain. Even well-differentiated (non-pilocytic) astrocytomas grow invasively and cannot be Cured by extensive surgery followed by radiation therapy. The 10-year survival rate of patients with favorablerisk astrocytomas is approximately 50% ; recurrent tumors are usually more malignant histologically. Astrocytomas should be treated in the same manner as malignant gliomas. In patients with poorly differentiated glioblastomas, the median survival time is only 60 to 70 weeks. In an attempt to improve these poor treatment results, the delivery of localized high-dose irradiation to bulky tumors should be combined with radiation therapy. Iodine-125 brachytherapy and intraoperative radiation therapy result in a better prognosis. However it is necessary to develop an effective combination of conventional radiation therapy in combination with the administration of radiosensitizing agents. In addition, adjuvant chemotherapy after radiation and chemotherapy may prolong the lives of patients who have undergone surgery for cerebral glioblastomas.
