Uncommon low-grade brain tumors

Abstract

The 2016 WHO classification of primary central nervous system (CNS) tumors include numerous uncommon (representing ≤1% of tumors) low-grade (grade I-II) brain neoplasms with varying clinical behaviors and outcomes. Generally, gross tumor or maximal safe resection is the primary treatment. Adjuvant treatments, though their exact role is unknown, may be considered individually based on pathological subtypes and a proper assessment of risks and benefits. Targetable mutations such as BRAF, TRAIL, and PDGFR etc. have a promising role in the future management.

Search strategy and selection criteria

An initial search of PubMed used broad search terms 'brain tumors', 'low-grade', 'radiotherapy, 'chemotherapy', 'surgery' and 'treatment' from January 1990 to March 2018. A subsequent focused search was undertaken using the names of individual histological subtypes of low-grade brain tumors as in the 2016 WHO classification. Only papers published in English were reviewed. The final reference list was generated on the basis of originality and relevance to the broad scope of this review.