Controversies in the treatment of low-grade astrocytomas and oligodendrogliomas

Patients with low-grade infiltrative astrocytomas and oligodendrogliomas are young, with a relatively long expected survival because their tumors grow slowly. Unfortunately, because radiation therapy, a potential mainstay of the various treatment options, can cause significant damage to the brain, much controversy revolves around the appropriate management of patients diagnosed with these tumors. In this editorial review, I try to cover reasons for this controversy and conclusions that can be drawn from published studies.