Optic pathway gliomas: a review.

Full Abstract

Optic pathway gliomas represent approximately 3-5% of childhood intracranial tumors. They usually occur in children during the first decade of life and are seen in 11-30% of patients with neurofibromatosis Type 1 (NF1). Although these tumors are typically low-grade gliomas, the clinical course and natural history are highly variable, making treatment paradigms difficult. Overall, however, they are often indolent tumors that can be observed over time for progression without initial treatment, especially in patients with NF1. Chemotherapy is the first-line treatment for progressive tumors, and radiation therapy is reserved for patients with progressive disease who are older than 5-7 years. Surgery is reserved for large tumors causing mass effect or hydrocephalus and tumors confined to the orbit or unilateral optic nerve.

Author information

Author/s: Binning, Mandy J (MJ); Liu, James K (JK); Kestle, John R W (JR); Brockmeyer, Douglas L (DL); Walker, Marion L (ML);

Affiliation: Department of Neurosurgery, Primary Children's Medical Center, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, Utah 84113, USA.

Journal and publication information

Publication Type: Comment; Journal Article; Review

Journal: Neurosurgical focus (Neurosurg Focus), published in United States. (Language: eng)

Reference: 2007-; vol 23 (issue 5) : pp E2

Dates: Created 2007/11/16; Completed 2007/12/03;

PMID: 18004964, status: MEDLINE (last retrieval date: 2/18/2009, IMS Date: )

Sourced from the National Library of Medicine. Abstract text and other information may be subject to copyright.

Comments and Corrections

CommentOn: Neurosurg Focus. 2005 Jun 15;18(6A):E7. (PMID: 16048293)

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