These tumors are astrocytomas that usually occur in the pons which is part of the brainstem. This area of the brain controls many important functions in the body such as vision, strength, balance, gagging, coughing, and swallowing. Symptoms usually present as vomiting, double vision, balance problems, and facial weakness. Surgery is not usually an option due to the location of the tumor. Occasionally these tumors may be biopsied and partially debulked, but that is not the norm.
Radiation is the standard method of treatment.
Several centers are conducting trials utilizing different chemotherapeutic agents both during radiation treatment and after treatment. Some of these agents include VP-16, carboplatin, temozolamide, irinotecan, and thalidimide. The diplopia gradually became worse over a six month period and she was referred to an opthalmologist who obtained an MRI scan. The scan revealed a brainstem lesion located in the pons. Nicole was treated with external beam radiation to the brainstem along with a weekly chemotherapy called vincristine.