Current Diagnostics and Therapy of Oligodendrogliomas

Oligodendroglial tumours represent 15-25% of all brain gliomas. They differ from other gliomas in having a better prognosis. Because no immunohistochemical marker has been found that can reliably identify tumours of oligodendrocytes, histological findings are often misinterpreted and oligodendrogliomas are less frequently diagnosed in clinical practice. A large number of patients thus receive suboptimal care. Molecular cytogenetics has recently begun to play a major role in histological diagnosis and prognostication. Chemotherapy has an important role in contemporary management of oligodendrogliomas alongside surgery and radiotherapy. Tumours have a high response rate to the triple combination PCV (Procarbazine-Lomustine-Vincristine) or Temozolomide. The combined loss of chromosome arms 1p/19q is associated with a better prognosis. The patients with oligodendrogliomas in this study are presented from the commencement of cytogenetic investigation. While better histological diagnosis has led to a rapid increase in oligodendroglioma detection, the approach of some oncologists to its treatment remain unchanged. Management of brain tumours in the present continues to demand an increasingly multidisciplinary approach.