Molecularly targeted treatment of recurrent anaplastic astrocytoma - a case report

Ann Clin Transl Neurol. 2021 Sep;8(9):1913-1916. doi: 10.1002/acn3.51430. Epub 2021 Jul 29.

Abstract

High-grade astrocytomas are malignant and aggressive, with limited treatment options. Treatment is geared not only toward increasing patient's overall survival but also in delaying or preventing neurological disability, a cause of significant morbidity. Increasingly, targeted and customized treatment approaches, especially for recurrent disease, are being explored. Here we present a successful outcome in a young patient with rapidly progressive disease who responded to targeted treatment based on genetic sequencing and circulating tumor DNA markers, given the inaccessibility of the tissue to biopsy. Molecular testing on tissue, serum or CSF may be helpful in identifying unique targets in these complex patients.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Astrocytoma* / genetics
  • Astrocytoma* / pathology
  • Astrocytoma* / radiotherapy
  • Brain Stem Neoplasms* / genetics
  • Brain Stem Neoplasms* / pathology
  • Brain Stem Neoplasms* / radiotherapy
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Neoplasm Recurrence, Local