Expert: Claes-Gustaf Nordquist, M.D. - 11/12/2009

Question
QUESTION: my husband currently age 38 was dx in Dec 07, right frontal anaplastic astrocytoman with focal oligodendroglial component, tumor was removed but "finger" remained
currently on monthly temodar
remains in "stable" condition per every other month MRI's
have noticed irritability and forgetfulness
are these worrisome side effects?  what is the textbook number of years before the tumor reoccurs? life expectancy?


ANSWER: Yes they probably are. A grade III (3) astrocytoma is a high grade "bad" astrocytoma (though not quite as bad as a grade IV (4) one) with a rather short survival time of around 2 to 3 years. However the fact that it partly has oligodendroglioma components MAY make it more difficult to evaluate. Oligodendrogliomas usually are somewhat more benign/less malignant. So evaluations are uncertain here.
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---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: so with a grade III the information I get from the internet indicate that tumor will reoccur between 3-5 years or is this expected survival?  is there one internet site that has straight forward information about this type and classification of cancer?
thank you!

Answer
There are uncertainties here. 3 to 5 years are possible but 3 is more probable. Once it returns survival time is usually very short so not much difference really. I'm not aware of any such GOOD site. In reality classification of brain tumors is a very difficult subject with big uncertainties.

You can also reach me on: http://www.lifestylerescue.com/expert/health-fitness-advice/dr-claes-gustaf/128