Glioma

Oligodendrogliomas

These primary brain tumors begin in brain cells called oligodendrocytes, which support and nourish the cells that transmit nerve impulses. This tumor is normally found in the cerebrum, the main part of the brain. Oligodendrogliomas are more common in adult men than women, and can occur in children.

Tumors that contain oligodendroglial elements are relatively uncommon, probably accounting for no more than 10 percent of primary brain tumors. For patients with pure low-grade oligodendroglioma, median survival is approximately 10 years; for patients with mixed oligoastrocytoma, approximately eight years. The average age at diagnosis is 35 years. Patients typically present with seizures.

Factors that influence survival time include a special genetic feature known as 1p/19q status. 1p and 19q are pieces of DNA in the tumor. When 1p and/or 19q are missing from tumor cells, patients tend to have a longer lifespan. Mayo investigators are leaders in this area of research and helped develop the genetic test now done in these types of tumors to give the patient the most accurate and individualized advice possible.

Treatment options include surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy. Which type treatment to use is a complex decsion and requires in-depth discussions with expert physicians. For recurrent low-grade oligodendroglial tumors, surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy may each play an important role. Surgically removing the tumor may reduce symptoms. If radiation therapy was not administered initially, it is likely to be effective for recurrent disease. Response to chemotherapy (temozolomide) has occurred in approximately 50 percent of patients with low-grade oligodendroglioma that recurs after radiation.

Mayo Publications on Oligodendrogliomas

See a list of publications by Mayo Clinic doctors on oligodendrogliomas on PubMed, a service of the National Library of Medicine.