Anaplastic astrocytoma: diagnosis, prognosis, and management

The designation of a tumor as anaplastic astrocytoma (AA) reflects a distinct histologic classification of malignant glioma characterized by an abundance of pleomorphic astrocytes with evidence of mitosis. Although these tumors are malignant, they have a better prognosis and a higher likelihood of response to treatment than glioblastoma. Despite advances in brain tumor imaging, making an accurate diagnosis requires the evaluation of tumor tissue and is essential for treatment planning. Currently, most patients undergo maximal surgical debulking of tumor followed by external beam radiation, often with subsequent adjuvant chemotherapy. However, despite the use of these treatment modalities, most tumors recur within a few years and these recurrent tumors are more refractory to subsequent therapies. This review examines the diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment of AAs. Ongoing clinical research investigations are also summarized, reflecting advances in our knowledge of the molecular pathogenesis of these tumors and providing hope for significant improvements in patient outcomes.