Astrocytoma

Disclaimer:
This blog is for informational purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice. Content is sourced from third parties, and we do not guarantee accuracy or accept any liability for its use. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical guidance.

What is Astrocytoma?

Astrocytoma is a brain tumor arising from astrocytes, a type of glial cell, ranging from low-grade (I-II) to high-grade (III-IV, e.g., glioblastoma). It’s the most common primary brain tumor, with glioblastoma (grade IV) being the most aggressive. In 2025, astrocytomas affect 3 per 100,000 people, with improved survival through precision oncology.

Symptoms

Symptoms depend on tumor location and grade but include headaches, seizures, nausea, vomiting, vision/hearing changes, weakness, cognitive decline (memory, personality changes), and balance issues. High-grade tumors cause rapid neurological deterioration, swelling, or increased intracranial pressure. Symptoms often prompt urgent imaging.

Causes

Causes are largely unknown but include genetic mutations (IDH1/2 in low-grade, EGFR, TERT in glioblastoma), radiation exposure, and rare hereditary syndromes (e.g., Li-Fraumeni, neurofibromatosis). In 2025, research highlights how tumor microenvironment and immune suppression drive progression, with IDH mutations linked to better prognosis.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis uses MRI or CT to locate the tumor, followed by biopsy or resection for histopathological grading (WHO classification). Molecular testing for IDH, MGMT, and 1p/19q codeletion guides prognosis and therapy. In 2025, AI-enhanced neuroimaging and liquid biopsies (CSF-based) improve diagnostic precision.

Treatment

Low-grade astrocytomas are treated with maximal safe surgical resection, followed by observation or radiation/chemotherapy (temozolomide) for incomplete resection. High-grade tumors (e.g., glioblastoma) use surgery, radiation, and temozolomide, with tumor-treating fields (TTFields) extending survival. Targeted therapies (e.g., IDH inhibitors) and immunotherapy (DCVax-L) are emerging. In 2025, combination therapies achieve 20% response in glioblastoma.

Future Outlook

In 2025, 5-year survival is 60% for grade I-II, 30% for grade III, and 5-10% for glioblastoma. Advances in IDH inhibitors and TTFields extend glioblastoma survival to 18-24 months. By 2030, CAR-T therapies, personalized vaccines, and AI-driven surgical planning could raise survival to 20% for glioblastoma and 80% for low-grade tumors.

Sources

The information for astrocytoma is sourced from NCI’s “Adult Central Nervous System Tumors Treatment (PDQ®)” for treatment and prognosis details; Mayo Clinic’s “Brain Tumor” for symptoms and causes; PMC’s “Molecular Pathology of Astrocytoma” for genetic insights and mechanisms; JAMA Oncology’s “Advances in Glioma Therapy” for 2025 treatment updates; and Cleveland Clinic’s “Astrocytoma” for diagnostic approaches and symptom descriptions.