Studies of patterns of failure and causes of death have been undertaken based upon the WHO histopathologic classification. In a randomized trial of thoracic irradiation +/- chemotherapy (hydroxyurea and CCNU), patterns of failure did not seem to differ by cell type; the largest group was "death without progression." A subsequent clinical trial of thoracic irradiation +/- cranial irradiation per...

BACKGROUND Recent advances that have been made in diagnostic imaging, surgical technique, chemotherapy, molecular biology, and prediction of therapeutic response could have potential impact on the optimal diagnosis and treatment of patients with brain tumors, especially those with oligodendrogliomas. In this article, the topic of oligodendroglioma and anaplastic oligodendroglioma is reviewed, h...