Observation after surgery

Source: Childhood Astrocytomas, Other Gliomas, and Glioneuronal/Neuronal Tumors Treatment (PDQ®)–Health Professional Version, National Cancer Institute.

Source updated: April 14, 2025 · Captured 2026-09-09.

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Context: Treatment of Circumscribed Astrocytic Gliomas, Pediatric-Type Diffuse Low-Grade Gliomas, and Glioneuronal/Neuronal Tumors / Adjuvant Therapy

Patients whose tumors have been partially resected may be observed without further disease-directed treatment, particularly if the pace of tumor regrowth is anticipated to be very slow. Approximately 50% of patients with less-than-gross total resections have disease that does not progress in 5 to 8 years, supporting the observation strategy in selected patients.[6]

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A multi-institutional retrospective study of children with IDH-altered low-grade gliomas revealed that 39 of 45 patients (87%) were managed with observation after surgery, including 20 patients who underwent biopsy or subtotal resection only. For these 39 patients, the 5-year PFS rate was 42%, and the 10-year PFS rate was 0%, with a median PFS of 4.76 years. The extent of resection did not significantly impact survival.[19]

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Preserved source evidence · Not medical advice