Glioma Overview

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Learn About Glioma

View Main Condition: Brain Tumor

What is the definition of Glioma?
Gliomas are a common type of brain tumor that develop from glial cells, which are specialized cells that surround and support neurons (nerve cells) in the brain. Gliomas are generally classified based on which type of glial cell is involved in the tumor: Astocytomas are a type of glioma that develop from star-shaped glial cells called astrocytes. Astrocytomas are the most common type of glioma. Ependymomas are another type of glioma that develop from ependymal cells that line the brain and spinal cord. Ependymomas are more likely to affect children than adults.  Optic gliomas affect the optic nerves, which send messages from the eyes to the brain.  Other notable types include diffuse intrinsic pontine gliomas, mixed gliomas, and oligodendrogliomas.
What are the causes of Glioma?
The cause of gliomas is still unknown. However, gliomas generally tend to be more common in adults than children. Men are also more likely to develop gliomas than women. 
What are the symptoms of Glioma?
The symptoms of gliomas vary by type as well as grade (aggressiveness) of the tumor. Common symptoms may include headaches, dizziness, vision loss, trouble balancing, nausea and vomiting, speech difficulties, personality changes and/or seizures. 
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What are the current treatments for Glioma?
Treatment for a glioma depends on several factors based on the type, size, and location of the tumor. Most treatment plans are designed based on an individual patient's unique situation. In general, treatment for glioma may include surgery, radiation therapy, and/or chemotherapy. Surgery to remove the tumor is generally the first step in treating glioma. Depending on the tumor's location, surgery may be able to entirely remove smaller gliomas. However, if a tumor is located near a sensitive area in the brain, surgery may not be possible at all.  Radiation therapy often follows surgery for the treatment of glioma. Radiation therapy involves the use of high-energy beams, including X-rays or protons, to destroy tumor cells.  Chemotherapy involves the use of drugs, either taken orally or injected through a vein, to kill tumor cells. Chemotherapy is often used in combination with radiation therapy.
Who are the top Glioma Local Doctors?
Elite in Glioma
Dr. Jann N. Sarkaria
Radiation Oncology
Elite in Glioma
Dr. Jann N. Sarkaria
Radiation Oncology

Mayo Clinic

800 W Ave S, 
La Crosse, WI 
 (1.3 mi)
608-785-0940
Languages Spoken:
English
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Accepting New Patients

Jann Sarkaria is a Radiation Oncologist in La Crosse, Wisconsin. Dr. Sarkaria and is rated as an Elite provider by MediFind in the treatment of Glioma. His top areas of expertise are Glioblastoma, Astrocytoma, Glioma, and Gliomatosis Cerebri. Dr. Sarkaria is currently accepting new patients.

Advanced in Glioma
Dr. Paul V. Letendre
Hematology Oncology | Hematology | Oncology
Advanced in Glioma
Dr. Paul V. Letendre
Hematology Oncology | Hematology | Oncology

Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center Inc

1836 S Ave, 
La Crosse, WI 
 (1.3 mi)
608-783-7300
Languages Spoken:
English
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Accepting New Patients
Offers Telehealth

Paul Letendre is a Hematologist Oncology specialist and a Hematologist in La Crosse, Wisconsin. Dr. Letendre and is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Glioma. His top areas of expertise are Paget Disease of the Breast, Familial Colorectal Cancer, Oligodendroglioma, and Astrocytoma. Dr. Letendre is currently accepting new patients.

 
 
 
 
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Advanced in Glioma
Dr. Ignacio Jusue-Torres
Neurosurgery
Advanced in Glioma
Dr. Ignacio Jusue-Torres
Neurosurgery

Mayo Clinic Health System-Southwest Wisconsin Region Inc

800 W Ave S, 
La Crosse, WI 
 (1.3 mi)
608-785-0940
Languages Spoken:
English, Italian, Spanish
See accepted insurances
Accepting New Patients
Offers Telehealth

Ignacio Jusue-Torres is a Neurosurgery provider in La Crosse, Wisconsin. Dr. Jusue-Torres and is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Glioma. His top areas of expertise are Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus, Hydrocephalus, Pseudotumor Cerebri Syndrome, Glioma, and Gamma Knife Radiosurgery. Dr. Jusue-Torres is currently accepting new patients.

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How do I prevent Glioma?
There is no known way to prevent gliomas. Gliomas can occur sporadically in people with no family history of the condition.  However, if you develop any symptoms common to a glioma, it is recommended to make an appointment with your doctor to be properly diagnosed. 
What are the latest Glioma Clinical Trials?
A Phase I Study of Savolitinib in Recurrent, Progressive or Refractory Medulloblastoma, High-Grade Glioma, Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma, and CNS Tumors Harboring MET Aberrations
A Phase I Study of Savolitinib in Recurrent, Progressive or Refractory Medulloblastoma, High-Grade Glioma, Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma, and CNS Tumors Harboring MET Aberrations
Who is this study for: Patients with recurrent, progressive or refractory medulloblastoma, high-grade glioma, diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma, and CNS tumors harboring MET aberrations
Enrollment Status: Recruiting
Publish Date: February 26, 2025
Intervention Type: Procedure, Drug
Study Drug: Savolitinib
Study Phase: Phase 1

Summary: This phase I trial studies the side effects and best dose of volitinib in treating patients with primary central nervous system (CNS) tumors that have come back (recurrent) or does not respond to treatment (refractory). Volitinib may stop the growth of tumor cells by blocking some of the enzymes needed for cell growth.

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A Phase 3 Randomized Non-Inferiority Study of Carboplatin and Vincristine Versus Selumetinib (NSC# 748727) in Newly Diagnosed or Previously Untreated Low-Grade Glioma (LGG) Not Associated With BRAFV600E Mutations or Systemic Neurofibromatosis Type 1 (NF1)
A Phase 3 Randomized Non-Inferiority Study of Carboplatin and Vincristine Versus Selumetinib (NSC# 748727) in Newly Diagnosed or Previously Untreated Low-Grade Glioma (LGG) Not Associated With BRAFV600E Mutations or Systemic Neurofibromatosis Type 1 (NF1)
Who is this study for: Patients with Glioma, Astrocytoma
Enrollment Status: Recruiting
Publish Date: February 26, 2025
Intervention Type: Other, Procedure, Drug
Study Drugs: Carboplatin, Selumetinib Sulfate, Vincristine Sulfate
Study Phase: Phase 3

Summary: This phase III trial compares the effect of selumetinib versus the standard of care treatment with carboplatin and vincristine (CV) in treating patients with newly diagnosed or previously untreated low-grade glioma (LGG) that does not have a genetic abnormality called BRAFV600E mutation and is not associated with systemic neurofibromatosis type 1. Selumetinib works by blocking some of the enzymes ...

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What are some Advocacy Organizations?
keep-punching-brain-cancer

Keep Punching supports patients, healthcare providers, and researchers in their fight to prevent and eradicate brain cancer and minimize treatment-related side effects that may adversely impact function and comfort.