Frontiers of Brain Tumors
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Winter 1995-1996
Volume 6, Number 1
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Abstracts
of this issue appear
below. Send e-mail or call 303-788-4010 to order a printed copy.
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 Abstracts
The Pediatric Oncology Experience as
a Model for Curability of High-grade Astrocytoma
Edward B. Arenson, MD
Dramatic progress in the curability
of childhood cancer has been achieved primarily by the
use of aggressive combination chemotherapy. This strategy
recognizes that most malignancies are systemic disease.
Improved curability of malignant brain tumors depends
upon a similar approach since there is nearly always
micro-residual disease after aggressive local treatment.
Current pediatric clinical trials to address the role of
modern chemotherapy in malignant brain tumors are, in
principle, applicable to adults and provide a model for
the achievement of cure.
Image-directed Neurosurgery
Michael H. Hitchcock, MD
Throughout the history of
neurosurgery, a critical problem has been navigation
within the brain. The most recent solution to this
problem has been the use of image-directed neurosurgery
linking the very accurate anatomical information obtained
from pre-operative studies with the 3-dimensional anatomy
within the operative field. This allows for more radical
removal of tumors or other lesions with less damage to
normal brain tissue.
Stereotactic Radiation in Adults and Children
Norman O. Aarestad, MD
Stereotactic radiosurgery may be
used to treat brain tumors instead of micro-neurosurgical
techniques. Useful for arteriovenous malformations,
benign tumors, metastatic tumors, and "boosting
doses" in glioblastoma multiform, radiosurgery is
performed as a single large treatment. Stereotactic
radiation therapy uses similar precision with a
replaceable head holder that allows for conventional
fraction sizes of radiation over multiple treatment days.
Stereotactic radiation therapy is used to treat both
benign and malignant pediatric brain tumors to decrease
long-term damaging side effects on developing tissue.
Suicide Gene Therapy for Malignant
Brain Tumors
Richard S. Schulof, MD
Three approaches for the treatment
of cancer using suicide gene therapy are described. In
the next 5 to 10 years, ongoing clinical trials will
determine the efficacy of these treatments.
Rehabilitation of Patients with
Brain Tumors
Elena Draznin, MD
It has been demonstrated that
rehabilitation of patients with brain tumors can reduce
the impact of the disease and its treatment on
individuals and their families. As a result, the focus of
care is shifting from extending the life of the
individual with a brain tumor to demonstrating concern
about the quality of life as well. A four-stage
rehabilitation approach is outlined.
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