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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Suffering With Astrocytoma Grade 2, Diffusing Tumor. On Chemotherapy. Typical For Astrocytoma?

I have a friend who was diagnosed with an astrocytoma grade 2, in late April. They are treating her with chemo. She has had about 4 rounds of it. It has not grown which we know is good, but it has not shrunk after her MD has tripled her dose the last round. The pet scan shows no change. Her MD states her tumor is diffuse throughout her brain and is inoperable. The plan is to do 2 more rounds of chemo, then another pet scan> She is going to UAB hospital for RX. I know each case is very unique, but I was wondering is this somewhat typical of this type of brain tumor? Thank you for your answering my question & it is strictly confidential.
posted on Mon, 7 Oct 2013
Twitter Mon, 7 Oct 2013 Answered on
Twitter Tue, 8 Oct 2013 Last reviewed on
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Hi,

I am following recently one of my patients with astrocitoma. Actually, his cancer is not diffused yet, and he got operated about 2 years ago. Now, he is on chemo in one of our neighborhood country, Italy.

As you may see, each of the cases are specific. The main issue in your friend's case is that the cancer is diffused and cannot be operated.

Therefore, the treatment strategy includes to try to shrink the cancer and make it not to damage other brain areas. In addition, as in all cases of cancer, to help patients not to have pain (as less as possible).

Although the case of my patient would be more "hopeful"; however, no doctor would say that that isolated cancer would not cause any harm and when it is going to cause it.

So, it's up to our own destiny; however, this does not mean we have to stop fighting and hoping until our last breath.

Hope the best for your friend!
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Suffering With Astrocytoma Grade 2, Diffusing Tumor. On Chemotherapy. Typical For Astrocytoma?

Hi, I am following recently one of my patients with astrocitoma. Actually, his cancer is not diffused yet, and he got operated about 2 years ago. Now, he is on chemo in one of our neighborhood country, Italy. As you may see, each of the cases are specific. The main issue in your friend s case is that the cancer is diffused and cannot be operated. Therefore, the treatment strategy includes to try to shrink the cancer and make it not to damage other brain areas. In addition, as in all cases of cancer, to help patients not to have pain (as less as possible). Although the case of my patient would be more hopeful ; however, no doctor would say that that isolated cancer would not cause any harm and when it is going to cause it. So, it s up to our own destiny; however, this does not mean we have to stop fighting and hoping until our last breath. Hope the best for your friend!