EXTENT OF SURGICAL RESECTION OF MALIGNANT ASTROCYTOMAS OF THE SPINAL CORD

Abstract

Neurological function can be preserved with aggressive resection of malignant intramedullary spinal astrocytomas; however, motor decline may be observed in many cases. Radical resection of AA was associated with a trend of increased overall survival in nondisseminated AA cases. Radical surgery and radiotherapy of GBM was associated with poor survival, similar to historical controls of diagnostic biopsy and radiotherapy. A markedly shorter survival may be expected in cases in which AA disseminates along the neuraxis. Biopsy alone may not provide the best outcomes for patients with malignant spinal cord tumors.