Recurrent Cancer This tumor is seldom controlled permanently if it recurs after surgery and radiotherapy . About one-third of patients respond to cisplatin , so Phase I and II clinical trials should be considered.
Brain Stem Glioma
Tumors arising in the brain stem are often astrocytomas, a tumor of neuron-support cells . These are also referred to as brain stem gliomas. They may be low-, intermediate- or high-grade.
Standard Treatment The usual treatment is high-dose radiation therapy (over 5,500 cGy). Higher doses may be possible using twice-daily (hyperfractionated) treatment.
The role of chemotherapy is not well defined. Some patients may be candidates for surgical removal. Children younger than three may be given chemotherapy to delay or modify radiation therapy to reduce the risk of neurologic impairment.
Two-Year Survival Varies with site and grade of tumor
Investigational
• The use of chemotherapy before the standard radiotherapy treatment.
