Pediatric study finds alternatives for radiation of low-grade brain tumors

Chemotherapy may help delay cranial radiation and minimize damaging side effects Joann L. Ater, M.D., professor of pediatrics and special assistant to the VP for Medical Affairs, CMO Office. HOUSTON - A multi-institutional study led by researchers at The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center has found that using chemotherapy alone and delaying or avoiding cranial radiation altogether can be effective in treating pediatric patients with unresectable or progressive low-grade glioma. The study was presented Sunday at the 40th annual International Society of Pediatric Oncology Meeting in Berlin, Germany. Low-grade glioma is the most common brain tumor in children. If eligible for surgery, overall survival rate for these children is 95 percent. However, for patients with tumors in locations that prevent surgical removal... [read full story]