Advances in diagnosis and management of oligodendroglioma

Oligodendrogliomas are primary brain tumors, genetically characterized by chromosomal alterations in the 1p and 19q. Recent clinical trials have shown that oligodendrogliomas are sensitive to PCV chemotherapy with 60-65% of patients responding and median response duration of 1-1.5 years. The response rate in mixed oligoastrocytomas may be slightly less but is still better than that of pure astrocytic tumors. The chemosensitivity of oligodendroglioma is not limited to PCV but also to newer agent, such as temozolomide. Gross total resection remains the main step in the management of oligodendrogliomas and the extent of surgical tumor resection is an important prognostic variable. The role of postoperative radiation in low-grade oligodendroglioma remains controversial and are being trials conducted now to define its role.