Diffuse Astrocytoma

Diffuse astrocytomas grow slowly, but they often spread into nearby tissues. Some of them progress to a higher grade. They occur most often in young adults.

Treatment of diffuse astrocytoma may include the following:

1. Surgery, usually with radiation therapy.
2. A clinical trial of surgery and radiation therapy with or without chemotherapy for tumors that cannot be completely removed by surgery.
3. A clinical trial of radiation therapy delayed until the tumor progresses.
4. A clinical trial comparing high- dose and low-dose radiation therapy.