Spinal cord malignant astrocytomas. Clinicopathologic features in 36 cases

Area of Science:

• Neuro-oncology
• Spinal Cord Neoplasms
• Astrocytoma Research

Background:

• Malignant astrocytomas of the spinal cord are uncommon and aggressive neoplasms.
• Limited data exists on the prognostic impact of clinicopathologic factors for these tumors.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the prognostic effect of World Health Organization (WHO) tumor grade, tumor localization, cell proliferative activity, p53 expression, and therapy in spinal cord astrocytomas.
• To analyze survival outcomes based on various clinicopathologic factors.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective study of 36 spinal cord astrocytoma cases.
• Evaluation of WHO tumor grade (Grade 2, 3, and 4 - glioblastoma multiforme), tumor localization, cell proliferation, p53 expression, and treatment modalities.
• Analysis of survival data and patterns of disease recurrence.

Main Results:

• The study included 36 patients (mean age 32.4 years; 63% male). Initial diagnoses included 63% glioblastoma multiforme (WHO Grade 4), 36% anaplastic astrocytoma (WHO Grade 3), and 6% astrocytoma (WHO Grade 2).
• Median survival times were 33 months for astrocytoma, 10 months for anaplastic astrocytoma, and 10 months for glioblastoma multiforme.
• Patterns of recurrence included extraneural and brain metastases, local extension, and diffuse spread along the neuraxis. Patients over 40 years old had a shorter survival period.

Conclusions:

• Age over 40 is associated with a poorer prognosis in spinal cord astrocytoma patients.
• There is a significant risk of central nervous system dissemination for patients diagnosed with spinal cord astrocytomas.
• Further research into prognostic factors is warranted for improved patient outcomes.