GUIDELINES FOR DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT OF CEREBRAL GLIOMAS

Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging do not provide a re liable tool to predict the histological diagnosis or topographic confi guration of a low- or high-grade glioma. Histological confirmation is necessary for appropriate treatment planning. In the absence of contro lled clinical trials the proper treatment for low-grade gliomas is unc lear. Treatment modalities which include surgery, interstitial radiosu rgery and radiotherapy are aimed at palliation. The treatment of malig nant gliomas is based on controlled clinical trials. Radiation therapy is the most effective life prolonging treatment. Decompressive surger y is indicated only for space-occupying accessible tumors. Chemotherap ie is adjunctive and recommended only in the framework of clinical tri als.