Survey of treatment recommendations for anaplastic oligodendroglioma

Anaplastic oligodendroglioma is a malignant brain tumor uniquely sensitive to treatment with both chemotherapy and radiotherapy. There are few prospective clinical trials for newly diagnosed patients and multiple approaches to the treatment of these patients. This study explored the recommended treatment offered by experts in neuro-oncology. A Web-based survey was developed and distributed to 800 members of the Society of Neuro-Oncology (SNO) who had an e-mail address listed with SNO. Questions addressed use of molecular genetic information and treatment recommendations. A total of 99 clinical SNO members (20%) responded. The majority reported practicing at an academic center in the United States. Two-thirds of respondents see more than five patients with newly diagnosed anaplastic oligodendroglioma annually. Molecular genetic testing was requested for more than 75% of patients, and the results significantly influenced treatment recommendations (p = 0.000003). Regardless of molecular genetic status, the most commonly recommended treatment was the use of concurrent temozolomide and radiotherapy followed by adjuvant temozolomide (18%-34%). The current survey demonstrates that although neuro-oncologists have embraced the use of molecular genetic studies in newly diagnosed anaplastic oligodendroglioma, treatment recommendations vary widely and are often independent of the molecular data.