Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 8, 2026

06:27
A Protocol for Explant Cultures of IDH1-mutant Diffuse Low-grade Gliomas
Published on: May 9, 2025
Low-grade gliomas -- current concepts
J Schramm1, I Blümcke, C B Ostertag
1Department of Neurosurgery, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany. Autor.Schramm@ukb.uni-bonn.de
Zentralblatt Fur Neurochirurgie
|May 5, 2006
Summary
Low-grade gliomas encompass diverse tumors with varying prognoses. This review synthesizes expert opinions on diagnosing and treating these challenging brain tumors, including diffuse astrocytomas and pilocytic astrocytomas.
Area of Science:
- Neuro-oncology
- Neurosurgery
- Neuropathology
Background:
- Low-grade gliomas include diffuse astrocytomas, oligodendrogliomas, mixed gliomas (WHO grade II), pleomorphic xanthoastrocytomas (PXAs), pilocytic astrocytomas, and subependymal giant cell astrocytomas (SEGAs).
- WHO grade II gliomas are infiltrative, prone to recurrence, and have a high risk of malignant progression.
- Pilocytic astrocytomas and SEGAs are typically circumscribed and potentially curable with surgery.
Purpose of the Study:
- To address challenges in the diagnosis and treatment of low-grade gliomas.
- To present multidisciplinary perspectives on managing these tumors.
Main Methods:
- Review of current knowledge and expert opinions from neurosurgeons, a neurologist, a neuropathologist, and a radiation oncologist.
- Discussion of diagnostic modalities (e.g., MR imaging, stereotactic biopsy) and treatment strategies (e.g., microsurgery, radiotherapy, brachytherapy, "wait and see").
Main Results:
- Expert viewpoints highlight the heterogeneity of low-grade gliomas and the lack of universal treatment guidelines.
- The review covers a spectrum of diagnostic and therapeutic approaches tailored to specific low-grade glioma subtypes.
Conclusions:
- Optimal management of low-grade gliomas requires a multidisciplinary approach considering tumor type, grade, and patient factors.
- Further consensus on treatment guidelines is needed to improve outcomes for patients with these brain tumors.

