However, even well differentiated astrocytomas are life threatening if they are inaccessible. Surgery followed by radiation, and some chemotherapy, is used to treat anaplastic astrocytomas. This is the type of tumor that my wife had. These tumors, sometimes called high-grade or grade IV astrocytomas, grow rapidly, invade nearby tissue, and contain cells that are very malignant. Glioblastoma multiforme are among the most common and devastating primary brain tumors that strike adults.
Doctors usually treat glioblastomas with surgery followed by radiation therapy.
Chemotherapy may be used before, during or after radiation.