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Astrocytoma is a primary tumor arising from astrocytes of the central nervous system and belongs to the group of gliomas. According to its degree of malignancy, it is classified into low-grade and high-grade tumors and may occur in the brain or spinal cord. Common symptoms include headache, seizures, and neurological deficits. The main treatment approach is surgical removal of the tumor, usually supplemented with radiotherapy and chemotherapy.
1. Adult-type diffuse gliomas
These mainly include IDH-mutant astrocytomas (grades 2–4) and IDH-wildtype glioblastoma.
2. Pediatric-type diffuse gliomas
These are classified into low-grade and high-grade forms, including diffuse gliomas with MYB alterations or H3 K27 alterations.
3. Circumscribed astrocytomas
This category mainly refers to pilocytic astrocytoma (grade I), which usually grows slowly and may have a 10-year survival rate of up to 90%.
4. Rare types
Examples include pilomyxoid astrocytoma, which occurs more commonly in infants and young children and generally has a less favorable prognosis compared with pilocytic astrocytoma.
The exact cause of astrocytoma is usually unknown, and its development is believed to result from the combined influence of multiple factors.
1. Genetic factors
Individuals with hereditary syndromes such as neurofibromatosis type 1 or Li-Fraumeni syndrome have a significantly increased risk of developing astrocytoma.
2. Exposure to ionizing radiation
Previous radiation therapy to the head is the only clearly established environmental factor associated with an increased risk.
3. Gene mutations
Mutations in genes such as IDH1/2 and TP53, as well as loss of ATRX function, can lead to uncontrolled growth of astrocytes.
4. Age and sex
Astrocytoma most commonly occurs in adults aged 30 to 55 years, while the risk of glioblastoma in men is approximately 1.6 times higher than in women.
5. Immune function
The relationship between impaired immune function and astrocytoma remains unclear, and current research evidence is limited.
1. Avoidance of ionizing radiation
Unnecessary exposure of the head and neck to radiation should be minimized, including CT examinations without clear medical indication.
2. Regular follow-up examinations
All patients require long-term and regular imaging follow-up after treatment according to medical recommendations.
3. Psychological and social support
Attention should be given to the patient’s psychological well-being, and professional counseling or participation in patient support groups may be helpful when needed.
4. Endocrine and ophthalmologic management
Pediatric patients should undergo regular monitoring of growth and development, endocrine function, and visual status.
5. Symptom control
Antiepileptic medications may be used as prescribed to control seizures, and corticosteroids can help relieve cerebral edema.
6. Avoidance of known chemical carcinogens
Individuals exposed to chemicals in occupational settings should adopt appropriate protective measures, although current evidence remains limited.
Jinshazhou Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine emphasizes that astrocytoma, particularly glioblastoma, poses a serious threat due to its high recurrence rate and high mortality. The treatment principle is maximal safe surgical resection combined with radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and emerging therapeutic approaches as part of an individualized comprehensive strategy. Early diagnosis and precise molecular classification are crucial for improving prognosis, and patients should actively cooperate with multidisciplinary standardized treatment and long-term clinical management.
Astrocytoma is a primary tumor arising from astrocytes of the central nervous system and belongs to the group of gliomas. According to its degree of malignancy, it is classified into low-grade and high-grade tumors and may occur in the brain or spinal cord. Common symptoms include headache, seizures, and neurological deficits. The main treatment approach is surgical removal of the tumor, usually supplemented with radiotherapy and chemotherapy.
1. Adult-type diffuse gliomas
These mainly include IDH-mutant astrocytomas (grades 2–4) and IDH-wildtype glioblastoma.
2. Pediatric-type diffuse gliomas
These are classified into low-grade and high-grade forms, including diffuse gliomas with MYB alterations or H3 K27 alterations.
3. Circumscribed astrocytomas
This category mainly refers to pilocytic astrocytoma (grade I), which usually grows slowly and may have a 10-year survival rate of up to 90%.
4. Rare types
Examples include pilomyxoid astrocytoma, which occurs more commonly in infants and young children and generally has a less favorable prognosis compared with pilocytic astrocytoma.
The exact cause of astrocytoma is usually unknown, and its development is believed to result from the combined influence of multiple factors.
1. Genetic factors
Individuals with hereditary syndromes such as neurofibromatosis type 1 or Li-Fraumeni syndrome have a significantly increased risk of developing astrocytoma.
2. Exposure to ionizing radiation
Previous radiation therapy to the head is the only clearly established environmental factor associated with an increased risk.
3. Gene mutations
Mutations in genes such as IDH1/2 and TP53, as well as loss of ATRX function, can lead to uncontrolled growth of astrocytes.
4. Age and sex
Astrocytoma most commonly occurs in adults aged 30 to 55 years, while the risk of glioblastoma in men is approximately 1.6 times higher than in women.
5. Immune function
The relationship between impaired immune function and astrocytoma remains unclear, and current research evidence is limited.
1. Avoidance of ionizing radiation
Unnecessary exposure of the head and neck to radiation should be minimized, including CT examinations without clear medical indication.
2. Regular follow-up examinations
All patients require long-term and regular imaging follow-up after treatment according to medical recommendations.
3. Psychological and social support
Attention should be given to the patient’s psychological well-being, and professional counseling or participation in patient support groups may be helpful when needed.
4. Endocrine and ophthalmologic management
Pediatric patients should undergo regular monitoring of growth and development, endocrine function, and visual status.
5. Symptom control
Antiepileptic medications may be used as prescribed to control seizures, and corticosteroids can help relieve cerebral edema.
6. Avoidance of known chemical carcinogens
Individuals exposed to chemicals in occupational settings should adopt appropriate protective measures, although current evidence remains limited.
Jinshazhou Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine emphasizes that astrocytoma, particularly glioblastoma, poses a serious threat due to its high recurrence rate and high mortality. The treatment principle is maximal safe surgical resection combined with radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and emerging therapeutic approaches as part of an individualized comprehensive strategy. Early diagnosis and precise molecular classification are crucial for improving prognosis, and patients should actively cooperate with multidisciplinary standardized treatment and long-term clinical management.