High Grade Gliomas

The vast majority of high grade gliomas originate from the astrocytes. They are called "high grade" because they are tumours dividing fast, are aggressive and have a guarded prognosis. The two main types of high grade gliomas are Anaplastic Astrcytoma (Grade III) and Glioblastoma (Grade IV). These tumours require surgical removal of the tumour followed by radiation therapy with concomitant chemotherapy (typically one medicine by mouth, Temozolomide).

The radiation therapy takes about 6 weeks to be completed and is given as outpatient. Following the completion of radiotherapy patients continue to receive chemotherapy at home for a minimum of 6 months and followed up with MRIs, clinical examination and blood tests.

Chemotherapy is in general very well tolerated. Unfortunately most but not all patients experience relapse (the tumour grows back) and new innovative, experimental medicines are offered. Most of these therapies are administered in the context of clinical trials. However, there are novel combinations that can be offered based on the most up to date published information.