Individuals diagnosed with primary brain and CNS tumors in the United States, stratified by age groups (0–14, 15–39, 40+ years)
Care Setting
Oncology and neurosurgery centers managing brain and CNS tumors, including surgical, radiation, and chemotherapy treatment settings
Key Highlights
From 2001 to 2017, 5-year relative survival was 66.9% for malignant and 92.1% for non-malignant primary brain and CNS tumors.
Younger individuals (0–14 and 15–39 years) have higher 5-year survival rates compared to adults aged 40 years and older.
Survival varies widely by tumor site and histopathology, with pilocytic astrocytoma showing the best prognosis and glioblastoma the worst.
Guideline-Based Recommendations
Diagnosis
Use histopathologic or radiographic confirmation for tumor classification.
Classify tumors by behavior codes (ICD-O-3) and histopathology per WHO CNS tumor classification.
Consider patient age, tumor site, and histopathology for prognosis estimation.
Management
Initial treatment should include surgical resection; extent of resection is a positive prognostic factor for malignant tumors.
Combine radiation therapy with chemotherapy (e.g., temozolomide) for glioblastoma to improve survival.
Treatment plans should be individualized based on tumor type, patient age, and overall health.
Monitoring & Follow-up
Monitor survival outcomes over time using population-based registries and stratify by age, tumor type, and treatment received.
Assess treatment response and adjust management accordingly, especially in high-risk histopathologies.
Risks
Older adults (≥40 years) have poorer survival outcomes across most tumor subtypes.
Black non-Hispanic individuals generally have worse survival compared to non-Hispanic White individuals.
Glioblastoma carries a particularly poor prognosis despite treatment advances.
Patient & Prescribing Data
Patients with primary malignant and non-malignant brain and CNS tumors across all age groups in the US
Surgery remains the cornerstone of initial treatment; combined radiation and temozolomide therapy improves survival in glioblastoma; optimal treatment for many tumor types remains undetermined.
Clinical Best Practices
Stratify patients by age, tumor histopathology, and site to guide prognosis and treatment decisions.
Aim for maximal safe surgical resection to improve survival in malignant brain tumors.
Incorporate combined modality therapy (radiation plus chemotherapy) for glioblastoma based on evidence.
Utilize population-based cancer registries for ongoing survival monitoring and research.
Recognize demographic disparities in survival and tailor supportive care accordingly.
