TriangleFOR PATIENTS · SOURCE READING
Certain factors affect prognosis (chance of recovery) and treatment options.
Source: Adult Central Nervous System Tumors Treatment (PDQ®)–Patient Version, National Cancer Institute.
Source updated: January 5, 2024 · Captured 2026-09-09.
Selected source text with whitespace normalised. This Triangle page is not an NCI PDQ summary. Independent clinical review is pending.
The prognosis and treatment options for primary brain and spinal cord tumors depend on the following:
The type and grade of the tumor.
Where the tumor is in the brain or spinal cord.
Whether the tumor can be removed by surgery.
Whether cancer cells remain after surgery.
Whether there are certain changes in the chromosomes.
Whether the cancer has just been diagnosed or has recurred (come back).
The patient's general health.
The prognosis and treatment options for metastatic brain and spinal cord tumors depend on the following:
Whether there are more than two tumors in the brain or spinal cord.
Where the tumor is in the brain or spinal cord.
How well the tumor responds to treatment.
Whether the primary tumor continues to grow or spread.
Preserved source evidence · Independent clinical review pending · Not medical advice