Re: oligodendroglioma

Posted By CCF Neuro MD on July 10, 1997 at 15:05:28:

In Reply to: oligodendroglioma posted by Laura on July 01, 1997 at 14:31:15:







: I have a brotherinlaw  with oligodendroglioma.  He has had two surgerys and is only in his early 30's.  Help  let me know if there is other treatment he is going through chemo .  Thanks.



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Dear Laura and Ken:
Oligodendrogliomas constitute about 5 to 7 percent of glial brain tumors. These tumors may be well-differentiated (relatively benign) or anaplastic (relatively malignant). Oligodendrogliomas are chemosensitive tumors. The standard treatment of anaplatic oligodendrogliomas is surgery (if feasible), radiation, and thereafter chemotherapy called PCV (procarbazine, CCNU and vincristine) given in 6 week cycles. The latter therapy was pioneered by neuro-oncologists at the University of Western Ontario, London, Canada, and is practised worldwide now. The value of radiation in the treatment of well-differentiated oligodendrogliomas is doubtful; these tumors, however, have recently also been shown to be responsive to the PCV regimen. Chemotherapy works for both newly-diagnosed and recurrent oligodendroglioma.
I hope this answers some of your questions.
If either of you lives near Cleveland, and desires a second opinion, I recommend Dr.Bruce Cohen who is neuro-oncologist working with the Brain Tumor Center at the Cleveland Clinic. The number to call for appointments is [phone], or [phone].
This information is provided for general medical educational purposes only. Please consult your physician for diagnostic and treatment options of your specific medical condition.