Last August, my husband, age 48, was diagnosed with an Oligoastrocytoma Level 3, with a little Level 4.. He had an awake crainiotomy to remove as much of the tumor as possible from his right parietal lobe. The surgeon thought he was able to get most all of the tumor out. He was treated with radiation for 7 weeks and 42 days of Temodar. Now he is on monthly doses of Temodar 5 days a month.
His chromosomes were tested, and he has intact 1P and 19Q chromosomes, which means that his tumor is likely to be more resistant to radiation and Temodar and so his prognosis is significantly worse than for someone who did not have these chromosomes intact. It was explained to us that with the intact chromosomes, the tumor will act more like an anaplastic astrocytoma that an oligodendroma. Meaning it will grow faster and behave more aggresively as it grows.
At this time, he is getting MRI's every 2 months, and so far they haven't seen any new tumor growth. The contrast is still showing up on the MRI, which could mean there is more maligmant tumor there, or it could be contrast around the surgical site which will fade away by the summer. At this time, we just don't know. He is doing very well on the Temodar. He has no nausea, but he sleeps a lot.
I am interested in finding out how quickly an oligoastocytoma is likely to reccur. I can't find any information on the internet about it other than the 2-5 year median survival stuff. My husband is convinced that the tumor is gone and is never coming back...and I mean 1000% absolutely coinvinced. I have many doubts, although I hope he is right. Has anyone ever heard of a level 3-4 malignant oligoastrocytoma just not coming back?