Radiation therapy in the treatment of childhood astrocytic gliomas

Of 37 children irradiated for astrocytic gliomas, 15 with cerebral gliomas had a five-year survival of 72%; this included a very favorable group with deep-seated tumors. Fifteen patients with brainstem gliomas had a 5-year survival of 20%. Of four children with cerebellar astrocytomas who received postoperative radiotherapy, three have survived. Three patients with unresectable intracranial optic gliomas were irradiated, and the two survivors have shown recent late symptoms of recurrence. Improved survival rates correlated with the more benign histologic picture. All patients received a tumor dose greater than 4900 rads, but in only one child has there been an apparent complication of radiation. Overall, 11 of 18 survivors lead normal lives. Radiation therapy has a useful place in the modern management of intracranial gliomas not amenable to surgical control.