Brain Tumors (astrocytomas)

    
      Re: Brain Tumors (astrocytomas)
    


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Posted by CCF Neuro MD on June 30, 1997 at 14:21:56:

In Reply to: Brain Tumors (astrocytomas) posted by Scott Friedland on June 17, 1997 at 19:19:11:

: Dear Doctor,
  My 30 year old brother--my only brother--was diagnosed with a malignant
  brain tumor (astrocytoma) in December 1995.  At this time he underwent
  surgery to remove the tumor.  As a result of the surgery, his left arm
  and leg were paralized.  Over the next 15 months or so, the tumor has
  continued to grow despite increasingly strong doses of chemotherapy
  and a gamma knife treatment last February (which didn't do anything I am told).  
  My brother is currently in NYU Medical Center after a seizure last week.
  My brother's condition is very grim indeed.  I fear that he will die before
  the year is out.  
  I wish I knew if everything that can be done for him is being tried.
  It all seems like so much guess work.  To add insult to injury,
  my future mother-in-law would like to know if my brother's condition is
  hereditary and if both I and my offspring would be at increased risk.  
  What can I say to her?
  Thank you for your time.
  Sincerely,
  Scott Friedland
=====================================================================================================
Hello Scott,
It seems to me from your what you have described about your brothers treatment that he has received what many would consider the standard of care for astrocytoma.  This is a very difficult cancer to treat especially in the case of the high grade tumors.  As to the question of heredity, almost all of these cancers occur sporadically (that is without any hereditary predisposition).  There are some instances in which there is an increased risk of developing astrocytomas such as in patients who have neurofibromatosis.  In getting specific information about your instance,  I would suggest that you talk with your physician or your brother