title: Low-grade astrocytomas of childhood.
abstract: Low-grade astrocytomas are the single most common form of pediatric brain tumor, representing 28% of the total. Prolonged survival and even cures can be expected in a substantial proportion of patients who present with these tumors. For a variety of reasons, the overall oncologic management of children with low-grade astrocytomas is extremely controversial. This article analyzes the available information related to the management of various forms of low-grade astrocytoma in childhood while awaiting the performance of a long-term national cooperative study on the natural history and management of this common pediatric brain tumor.
authors.affiliation: Section of Pediatric Neurosurgery, Barrow Neurological Institute, Phoenix, Arizona.
authors.forename: H L
authors.initials: HL
authors.lastname: Rekate
authors.forename: S M
authors.initials: SM
authors.lastname: Rakfal
mesh_terms: D001254:Astrocytoma / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000473:pathology / Q000532:radiotherapy / Q000601:surgery*; D001921:Brain / Q000473:pathology; D001932:Brain Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000473:pathology / Q000532:radiotherapy / Q000601:surgery*; D002648:Child; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D003952:Diagnostic Imaging; D006801:Humans