Quick Reference Guide

Circumscribed Gliomas

Pilocytic astrocytoma, BRAF-mutated variants, and other well-demarcated low-grade gliomas with favorable prognosis.

IDH-Mutant Astrocytoma (Grade 2-4)

Diffuse astrocytic tumors with IDH mutation, ranging from low-grade to high-grade, with distinct molecular and treatment profiles.

Oligodendroglioma (1p/19q Codeleted)

IDH-mutant, 1p/19q codeleted gliomas with generally better prognosis and chemosensitivity compared to astrocytomas.

Glioblastoma (IDH-Wildtype)

The most aggressive primary brain tumor in adults, characterized by IDH-wildtype status, requiring multimodal treatment.

Ependymoma

Glial tumors arising from ependymal cells, occurring intracranially or in the spinal cord, with molecular subgroup-based classification.

Meningioma

The most common primary intracranial tumor, arising from meningeal cells, graded 1-3 based on histology and mitotic activity.

Primary CNS Lymphoma

Aggressive non-Hodgkin lymphoma confined to the CNS, requiring high-dose methotrexate-based chemotherapy regimens.

Spinal Cord Tumors

Intramedullary and extramedullary tumors of the spinal cord including astrocytomas, ependymomas, and nerve sheath tumors.

Limited Brain Metastases

One to four brain metastases amenable to focal therapy including surgery and stereotactic radiosurgery.

Extensive Brain Metastases

Multiple brain metastases typically requiring whole-brain radiation therapy with or without systemic treatment.

Leptomeningeal Metastases

Cancer spread to the leptomeninges and CSF, a challenging clinical scenario with limited treatment options.

Medulloblastoma (WNT, SHH, Group 3, Group 4)

The most common malignant brain tumor in children, now classified by molecular subgroup with risk-adapted treatment.

Diffuse High-Grade Gliomas (DIPG/DMG)

Aggressive pediatric gliomas including diffuse midline glioma H3K27-altered, with very limited treatment options.

Pediatric Low-Grade Gliomas

Common childhood brain tumors with generally favorable prognosis, often managed with observation or targeted therapy.

Neuroimaging Guidelines

Standard MRI protocols, advanced imaging modalities, and surveillance schedules for CNS tumors.

Surgical Principles

Indications for resection, biopsy techniques, extent of resection goals, and surgical adjuncts.

Radiation Therapy Management

Radiation modalities, dose constraints, fractionation schedules, and re-irradiation considerations.

Systemic Therapy Options

Chemotherapy regimens, targeted therapies, and immunotherapy options across CNS tumor types.

Molecular Characterization

Essential molecular markers, testing panels, and their prognostic and therapeutic implications.