URGENT!!!!! ASTROCYTOMA GRADE 4. WHAT TREATMENTS ARE AVAILABLE

My father was recently diagnosed with Astrocytoma Grade 4, and will start chemotherapy in tablet form and radiotherapy. What other treatments are available to increase his chances of survival? What about Stereoactic radiotherapy and Radiosurgery or Brachytherapy? Our nuerosurgeon said he is unable to remove it as it has two blood vessels running through it and they risk paralysing him also he said there is no point removing part of it as it will grow back, please help as this is all new to us and we want the best for my father, he is 64 years old and we live in Australia but will travel anywhere for the best treament available.

[leedee]

I am by no means an expert, but my husband was recently diagnosed with a Grade II Astrocytoma.  We have been told the same treatments for when his tumor progresses-- radiation and chemo.  I have heard a lot of promising information about the docs at Duke University here in the US.  The web address is http://www.cancer.duke.edu/btc/

Maybe you could try sending them your slides to get another opinion.  If you haven't already, definitely get a 2nd opinion.  You want to make sure to get as many options as you can!  

Best of luck to you and your father.  I hope this helps.

Leah

[jackporche]

Look into dhea everyone. I have a poodle called missy three years ago they said she had a good life the Vet. Well missy is still here, and more active than my younger dogs she 20 years old. My step daughter just been diagnosed with grade 2 Astrocytoma I just sent her dhea. Even the vet is doing studies on it. I also take it. Everyone should read up on it and make there own minds up what they think. I hope it helps us all. God bless.  

[jackporche]

Missy has a cancer tumor. she takes 50 milagrams of dhea sorry I didn't say that.