Expert: Claes-Gustaf Nordquist, M.D. - 7/1/2008

Question
QUESTION: My daughter was diagnosed with a polycystic astrocytoma in 1999.  She has endergone 2 brain tumor resections and there is still a 6.4mm-6.2mm piece on the brain stem.  In july of 2007 she underwent gamma knife.  On May 20, 2008 we went to find out the results of the MRI.  The tumor is now 8.6mm and 7.8mm.  Could this be radiation swelling of the tumor or do you think it is tumor growth?  She has been through chemotherapy already.  What are the chances of this tumor reoccuring again?
Thanks
Scott

ANSWER: Unfortunately it is probably tumor growth. The risk is unfortunately probably high as that is its documented behaviour according to your question.


---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thank you so much for answering my questions.  If the tumor is growing, what type of treatment would you recommend.  She is very allergic to carboplatinum and the oncologist said he would not be able to use this chemotherapy drug.  She also was given vincristine but did not have as many problems with it.  My wife and I were wanting your expert opinion on this because we go on August 7, 2008 for the next MRI and we want to be prepared for what is going to happen.  We are praying that it is only radiation swelling from the gamma knife procedure but we know what it probably is.  Since the tumor is growing at such a slow rate what would you recommend the doctors to do.  Thank you!
Scott

Answer
Sorry, I have a principle here (as you can see in previous answers) of NOT giving any detailed advice with regards to chemo therapy. The reason is that I'm never informed well enough with regards to the medical condition of the patient to be able to give such advice. Her carboplatine allergy is but one example of such a condition even though I here happen to be informed of it. The only person well enough informed of this is her dr. in charge of her therapy. Any advice from me here would just be interference from a badly informed back seat driver!