Thelansis

  Malignant gliomas consist of glioblastomas, anaplastic oligodendrogliomas, anaplastic astrocytomas, and some less common tumors such as anaplastic ependymomas and anaplastic gangliogliomas. Malignant gliomas have high morbidity and mortality. With optimal treatment, the median survival for glioblastomas is only 12–15 months, and 2–5 years for anaplastic gliomas. Recent advances in our understanding of the molecular pathogenesis of malignant gliomas have resulted in the development of targeted chemotherapeutic agents. Furthermore, advances in diagnostic imaging have enabled the early detection and treatment of malignant gliomas. Meaningful palliation is possible for selected patients with recurrent malignant glioma (glioblastoma multiforme, anaplastic astrocytoma, anaplastic oligodendroglioma, or anaplastic mixed oligoastrocytoma) using aggressive treatment. Although long-term disease-free survival occurs in fewer than 10% of patients, most who achieve such survival have been trea...