Monitoring for Glioma Recurrence
- Unfortunately, glioma does come back for a number of patients.
- Those who are younger (under 40), had smaller tumors, or had their tumor fully resected may have a lower chance of cancer recurring.
- Follow-up imaging, like MRI or CT scans, will likely be used to monitor for glioma recurrence. This can be stressful for patients and their families, but it does help stay on top of the disease. If a recurrence happens, early detection is crucial.
- If glioma does come back, treatment options might include additional surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, or targeted therapies.
Thanks to advances in medical research, treatments are improving, but monitoring for recurrence remains crucial. Catching a returning tumor early increases the chances of keeping it under control and accessing a wider range of treatment options, but this monitoring can be quite stressful for patients.
Read MoreUnderstanding Glioma Recurrence
A glioma diagnosis is challenging, and concerns about recurrence can add another layer of stress, but knowledge is power. By understanding the factors that influence recurrence, you and your healthcare team can take proactive steps to manage your health. Gliomas are classified by grade, which helps predict how likely they are to come back:- Low-grade gliomas (LGGs): These tend to grow more slowly but can still return, sometimes even a decade after diagnosis.
- High-grade gliomas (HGGs): Like glioblastomas, these are more aggressive and have a higher likelihood of recurrence within five years of treatment.
However, tumor grade is only part of the story—genetic markers and other factors also play a role. That said it’s important to note that treatment may not be dependent on genomic data and can sometimes be (rare when this can be leveraged.
Key Factors That Influence Recurrence
Understanding the genetic makeup of your tumor can offer insights into recurrence risk and treatment options.
“There are molecular pieces of information that can better inform us if [recurrence] may be earlier or that may be a later event,” Dr. Nabors explains.
Some key genetic markers include:
- IDH Mutations: A positive IDH mutation is generally a good sign, as tumors with these mutations tend to grow more slowly.
- TP53 and ATRX Mutations: These are often found in astrocytomas and can indicate a higher chance of recurrence.
- MGMT Promoter Methylation: If your tumor has a methylated MGMT promoter, it may respond better to certain chemotherapy treatments, potentially keeping recurrence at bay longer.
Several other elements can influence whether and how soon a glioma might come back.
These include:
- Extent of Surgery: The more tumor tissue your surgeon can safely remove, the lower the risk of recurrence.
- Age: Younger patients (especially those under 40) generally have a lower risk of recurrence due to better genetic tumor profiles.
- Tumor Size: Larger tumors (over 6 cm) can be more challenging to treat completely, increasing the risk of regrowth.
What Happens if a Glioma Comes Back?
If a recurrence happens, early detection is crucial. Your care team will recommend routine imaging—typically MRIs or CT scans—to monitor for changes. If your glioma does return, treatment options may include:
- Additional Surgery: If feasible, another surgery may help remove new tumor growth.
- Radiation & Chemotherapy: These treatments can target recurring cancer cells.
- Targeted Therapy & Immunotherapy: New and emerging treatments may be available depending on your tumor’s genetic profile.
- Clinical Trials: Talk to your oncologist about options for your particular glioma.
Regular monitoring also helps doctors detect whether a low-grade glioma is transforming into a more aggressive type, allowing them to adjust treatment plans quickly.
Reducing Your Risk & Staying Proactive
While there’s no guaranteed way to prevent a glioma from returning, there are steps you and/or your healthcare team can take to reduce your risk and stay proactive, including:
- Maximizing Surgery Outcomes: If possible, complete tumor removal during surgery lowers recurrence risk. Advances in imaging technology help surgeons remove as much tumor tissue as safely possible.
- Following Post-Treatment Recommendations: Radiation and chemotherapy, when recommended, help target remaining tumor cells.
- Staying on Top of Follow-Up Scans: Consistent monitoring is your best tool for catching recurrence early.
- Maintaining a Healthy Lifestyle: While not a cure, prioritizing overall health—such as eating well, exercising, and managing stress—may contribute to better outcomes.
Questions to Ask Your Doctor
If you’re worried about recurrence, open conversations with your doctor can provide clarity and reassurance. Here are some questions to consider.
- How will I know if my cancer is truly gone?
- What steps can we take to reduce the risk of recurrence?
- How often should I get MRI or CT scans?
- What symptoms should I watch for that could signal recurrence?
