Latest news with #oligodendroglioma


Health Line
6 days ago
- Health
- Health Line
Oligodendroglioma
Oligodendroglioma is a rare tumor that develops in the brain with no known cause. It tends to have a higher survival rate compared to most other brain tumors, but early diagnosis and treatment are key. Oligodendroglioma belongs to a group of brain tumors called gliomas. Gliomas are primary tumors. This means they originated in the brain rather than spreading from elsewhere in the body. The National Brain Tumor Society reports that around 1.2% of all brain tumors are classified as an oligodendroglioma. They are typically divided into two types: grade 2 (slow growing) grade 3 (fast growing) Oligodendroglioma is more commonly diagnosed in adults, though young children can also be affected. Life expectancy and survival rate According to the American Cancer Society, the 5-year relative survival rate for people with an oligodendroglioma is as follows: 90% for those ages 22 to 44 years 82% for those ages 45 to 54 years 69% for those ages 55 to 64 years The relative survival rate suggests how long someone with a condition may live after receiving their diagnosis compared to someone without the condition of the same race, sex, and age over a specific time. This is different from overall survival rate, which is a percentage of people still alive for a specific time after receiving a diagnosis. It's most important to remember that these figures are estimates, and everyone is different. You can talk with your doctor about your specific condition. Several factors can affect your survival rate, including the grade of the tumor and how early it was diagnosed, as well as your overall health. Symptoms Oligodendroglioma can lead to a wide variety of symptoms. Seizure is the most common symptom — about 60% of people experience a seizure before receiving an oligodendroglioma diagnosis, according to the National Cancer Institute. Other symptoms include: headache cognitive changes weakness or numbness in the limbs issues with balance or movement However, the symptoms you experience can vary based on the size of the tumor and which part of your brain the tumor is growing in. What are the causes? There are no known causes of oligodendroglioma. Genetic changes are thought to play a role in the development of oligodendroglioma. Factors such as radiation exposure may also increase the risk of developing this type of tumor. Treatment options There are a number of treatment options available. You and your doctors will work together to decide what's the best course of action is in your case. Your medical team will base their decisions upon a number of factors, including: your overall health the grade and location of your tumor the final diagnosis given by a neurosurgeon Surgery Surgery is typically the first-line treatment for oligodendroglioma. The goal is to remove as much of the tumor as possible. Other treatment If the tumor cannot be completely removed with surgery, additional treatment may be used to avoid recurrence, such as: Radiation therapy: This involves the use of high energy rays. It's typically used after surgery to help kill any tiny fragments of the tumor that may remain. Chemotherapy: This treatment uses cytotoxic drugs to help kill cancer cells and can be used before and after radiotherapy. It's also useful for shrinking brain tumors, particularly those that cannot be surgically removed. Targeted therapy: This treatment can be used to slow tumor regrowth. Clinical trials: Your doctor may recommend enrolling in a clinical trial to test potential new treatment options. Antiseizure medication: If you experience seizures, these medications will likely be a part of your treatment plan. Outlook and recurrence The outlook for oligodendroglioma tumors depends on factors such as the tumor grade, the overall health of the person with the diagnosis, and how early the tumor was diagnosed. People who receive a diagnosis and begin treatment early have a higher chance of survival. Overall, those who have an oligodendroglioma tend to have a higher survival rate than most other brain tumors. Many treatment options are available, and oligodendroglioma appears to respond well to treatment. It's unusual to be able to completely remove the tumor, but it's possible to prolong the life of someone with an oligodendroglioma. Successful treatment plans often employ several methods. This reduces the chance that the tumor will recur. Like all other gliomas, oligodendroglioma has a very high rate of recurrence and often gradually increases in grade over time. Recurrent tumors are often treated with more aggressive forms of chemotherapy and radiation therapy.


BBC News
04-06-2025
- General
- BBC News
Worcestershire brain cancer patient, Ben Lindon, has died
A brain cancer patient who fought to raise awareness of the disease and help others has Ben Lindon, 46, from Malvern, passed away last Thursday, 16 years after he was diagnosed with an aggressive and rare brain tumour called an oligodendroglioma, the charity Brain Tumour Research his diagnosis, he started running and training, and completed the Brighton Marathon, among others, in wife, Kate, said: "Instead of allowing the diagnosis to define or defeat him, Ben chose to lead a healthier life physically and mentally, and to focus on others who were also suffering." The former journalist and retained firefighter for Warwickshire Fire and Rescue Service also completed the Three Peaks Challenge, the London Marathon, and a 1,000-mile bike ride from John O'Groats to Land's Jones, the charity's head of fundraising, described him as "an extraordinary individual whose courage, determination and tireless fundraising inspired everyone who knew him".The charity described how the risks were too high to remove Mr Lindon's tumour surgically, and he underwent 120 cycles of radiotherapy and chemotherapy, thought to be the most chemotherapy given to any patient in the his 100th chemo cycle in 2017, he kayaked 100 miles along the River Wye, supported by mementos from his Lindon, who is working with the organisation to raise awareness of the disease, has described how he raised more than £10,000 for Brain Tumour Research, as he "fought a brave battle, raising awareness and support".She said: "Ben wanted others to have a fighting chance, and he knew that fundraising was his way of trying to ensure that other families don't have to experience what he went through." Follow BBC Hereford & Worcester on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.


Medscape
02-06-2025
- Health
- Medscape
Brain Tumors Clinical Practice Guidelines (2025)
Editorial Note: These are some of the highlights of the guidelines without analysis or commentary. For more information, go directly to the guidelines by clicking the link in the reference. Updated guidelines on therapy of adult diffuse astrocytic and oligodendroglial tumors were published in April 2025 by the American Society of Clinical Oncology and the Society for Neuro-Oncology in the Journal of Clinical Oncology .[1] In patients with oligodendroglioma that is IDH -mutant, 1p19q co-deleted, central nervous system (CNS) World Health Organization (WHO) grade 2, offer radiation in combination with procarbazine, lomustine (CCNU), and vincristine (PCV). If toxicity is a concern, temozolomide is a reasonable alternative to PCV. Consider offering vorasidenib to patients who have oligodendroglioma that is IDH -mutant, 1p19q codeleted, CNS WHO grade 2; who have undergone one or more surgeries; and in whom further treatment with radiation and chemotherapy has been or can be deferred. In astrocytoma that is IDH -mutant, 1p19q non-codeleted, CNS WHO grade 2, initial radiation therapy and chemotherapy (with temozolomide or PCV) may be deferred until radiographic or symptomatic progression in some patients with favorable prognostic factors (eg, complete resection, younger age) or concerns about short- and long-term toxicity. Consider offering vorasidenib in patients who have astrocytoma that is IDH -mutant, 1p19q non-codeleted, CNS WHO grade 2; who have undergone one or more surgeries; and in whom further treatment with radiation and chemotherapy has been or can be deferred. For more information, please go to Brain Neoplasms.