Continuous growth of mean tumor diameter in a subset of grade II gliomas

Serial magnetic resonance images of 27 patients with untreated World Health Organization grade II oligodendrogliomas or mixed gliomas were reviewed retrospectively to study the kinetics of tumor growth before anaplastic transformation. Analysis of the mean tumor diameters over time showed constant growth. Linear regression, using a mixed model, found an average slope of 4.1mm per year (95% confidence interval, 3.8-4.4mm/year). Untreated low-grade oligodendrogliomas or mixed gliomas grow continuously during their premalignant phase, and their pattern of growth can be predicted within a relatively narrow range. These findings could be of interest to optimize patients management and follow-up.