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Brain Tumors/How to treat Astrocytoma grade 4?

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Expert: - 12/11/2010


Question
Hello, i am a resident of Pune, India. My father was diagnosed with Astrocytoma grade 2 in 1999. Thereafter he underwent radiation and complete necrosis was done. Now after 10 years, in July 2009 he experienced severe headache. After the MRI, reoccurence of the desease was found. Radiation followed, then in the follow up MRI tiny lesions of the disease were observed, for treatment of which the doctors advised for Chemotherapy which was taken in 3 cycles of oral tablets and 3 cycles of intravescular medicine. But the growth of the lesions was not abated and now largest size of the lesion is 5.7cm X 2.9 cm. The doctor has recommended for surgery and removal of the largest lesion. But my father is not psychologically ready for surgery. Please guide us in the possibility of cure of the disease? Awaiting your reply.  

Answer
If surgery at all is possible it is the only treatment I can recommend in this situation. His lesion is too big for stereotactic radiation therapy. So your father should reconsider! But in this situation I can certainly not promise success unfortunately.



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Claes-Gustaf Nordquist, M.D.

Expertise

I`m a doctor of medicine and specialist in radiation therapy and medical oncology. I have a long time experience of these tumours.

Experience

I'm a Doctor of Medicine and specialist in Medical Oncology and Radiation Therapy, educated and trained in Sweden. Now retired. Background in Radiation Therapy, Medical Oncology, Radiation Protection, Nuclear Medicine, Diagnostic Radiology, Gynecological Oncology, Clinical Pathology, Clinical Cytology,Hematology and Internal Medicine. M.D. from the faculty of medicine, Royal Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden. Have also been an exchange student at the Hebrew University, Hadassah Medical School, Jerusalem Israel. Former medical consultant, Swedish National Board of Radiation Protection. Former Police Surgeon and Medical Examiner, Stockholm Police Department. Former Chief Medical Officer, The Royal Guards, The Royal Horse Guards and the Royal Household Brigade, Royal Swedish Army Medical Corps. You can also reach me on: http://www.lifestylerescue.com/expert/health-fitness-advice/dr-claes-gustaf/128 . I have no restrictions on the number of questions there. I also answer questions about Oncology (General Cancer), General History, Military History, Breast Cancer, Colon Cancer.

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Doctor of medicine, specialist in medical oncology & radiation therapy.

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