Chemotherapy in low-grade astrocytoma management

The role of chemotherapy (CHT) in the management of low-grade astrocytoma (LGA) is still unclear. Nineteen children with nonresectable symptomatic LGA were treated with carboplatin (CBDCA) and etoposide (E). There were 15 newly diagnosed cases and 4 were relapses; 6 of the children were under 5 years old. In all children radiological evaluation by CT scan and/or MRI was performed after four courses of CHT. We observed complete response (CR)+ minor response (MR) in 37% of these cases and an improvement in neurological symptoms in 63%. Radiological evaluation performed in 6 patients who received CHT for longer periods (8-12 courses) showed major responses (CR+PR) in 67%. Local radiotherapy (40 Gy) was administered after CHT in 14 cases, but in 3 of these radiotherapy was delayed for 2 years. Five patients did not receive radiotherapy. The overall survival was 58% after an average follow-up of 60 months. All patients with brain stem tumors died of progressive disease even though 3 of these had shown clinical improvement after chemotherapy. In conclusion, in the treatment of nonresectable symptomatic LGA, CHT with CBDCA associated with E can be used to postpone radiotherapy in young children and even to avoid radiotherapy in some cases.