Expert: Claes-Gustaf Nordquist, M.D. - 3/20/2011

Question
My spouse was diagnosed in June 2009 at the age of 50 with a oligodendroglimo--grade 3.  The doctors said it was inoperable, they recommended cheotherapy--Temodar 5/28 day cycle.  The tumor responed so it was encouarged to continue for a total of 18 months, with quarterly MRIs. Once completed, monitor with quarterly MRIs and begin raditation once growth was detected. At the appt following the completion of the 18 rounds and a MRI (the tumor shrunk @ 20%) the doctor suggested to start radiation right away. Is this a normal next step for treatment, why not wait until growth? Will this (radiation) increase the survival rate? Is 20% a good response? I'm sorry I don't have the size of the tumor before treatment--symptoms were actually only focal seizures (we didn't know what they were at the time). And I only remember the doctor saying it was a big size tumor. And we people write/say survival rate is 3-5 years, is that after treatment or at diagnosis? Thank you for your response--these are questions I hate to ask in front of my spouse.

Answer
Well without knowing the size of his oligodendroglioma it is hard to answer some of your questions. Yes survival time from diagnosis is around 3 to 5 years. There is not much difference if you measure it from treatment. Since surgery was not possible in his case (probably due to location) I agree with his doctor that radiation therapy should start right away. Additional radiological treatment with the so called GammaKnife MAY be possible if his tumor is small enough at that time (no promises possible at present). Radiation will probably prolong his survival time. More then that I can not promise. 20% is not a very good response since it means that 80% must be considered to still be there.



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