Astrocytoma

What is an astrocytoma brain tumour?

Astrocytomas are the most common type of primary glioma brain tumour in both children and adults.

An astrocytoma brain tumour develops from brain cells called astrocytes. When astrocytes form an astrocytoma brain tumour, damage can be seen in the DNA and they no longer undergo apoptosis (the cells don’t die when they are supposed to). When this process fails in astrocytes, the cells continue to grow in an uncontrolled way and form into a brain tumour.

Astrocytoma tumours do not spread to other parts of the body because astrocyte cells are only found in the brain and spinal cord.


The prognosis for astrocytoma varies between grades and will vary between individuals.

Astrocytomas are divided into the following classifications by the World Health Organization (WHO):

  • Grade 1

    Grade 1 astrocytomas are usually found only in children and teenagers. They are the most slow-growing (low-grade) form of astrocytoma and carry the longest prognosis.

    The most common type of grade 1 astrocytoma is pilocytic astrocytoma, also known as juvenile pilocytic astrocytoma (JPA)

  • Grade 2

    Grade 2 astrocytomas can occur in children, teenagers and adults, but are more common in adults. They are initially a slow-growing (low-grade) form of brain tumour but have a tendency to progress to a higher grade over time, usually over a number of years.

    Grade 2 astrocytomas are also referred to as diffuse astrocytomas because of the way they infiltrate into healthy brain tissue. This is due to the nature of astrocytoma cells, which reach between and around the neurons. The prognosis of low-grade 1 and 2 astrocytomas will vary between individuals.

  • Grade 3

    Grade 3 astrocytoma, in the past known as anaplastic astrocytoma, is an aggressive form of brain cancer. It often spreads to other parts of the brain.

    The prognosis for higher-grade 3 and 4 brain tumours will be worse than those classified as grade 1 or 2 but will of course still vary between individuals.

  • Grade 4

    Until recently, astrocytoma grade 4 tumours were considered the same type of tumour as glioblastoma (GBM), another grade 4 glioma.

    However, in an update from the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2021, GBM was separated from astrocytomas based on the presence or absence of a mutation in an enzyme called isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH).

    All astrocytomas are IDH-mutant. Whereas a tumour which has no IDH-mutation will be referred to as IDH-wildtype and will be classified as a GBM.

What is an astrocyte cell?

Astrocytes are a type of glial cell, which is the collective name for cells that form a web of connective glial tissue to support the neurons (nerve cells) within the brain and spinal cord. These cells are named after their three-dimensional shape – “astro”, meaning star, and “cyte” meaning cell.

Other types of glial cells are oligodendrocytes and ependymal cells. Astrocytoma, oligodendroglioma and ependymoma brain tumours are therefore all classified as glioma tumours because they develop from glial cells, and in some cases a “mixed glioma” brain tumour may contain a mixture of these different cells.

  • Astrocytes help to maintain the balance of water and key nutrients that support the function of neurons
  • They contribute to maintenance of the blood brain barrier, which protects the brain from toxins
  • Astrocyte cells are able to regulate blood flow, and hence oxygen and nutrients carried in the blood, to maintain the health of neurons 
  • Astrocytes provide energy to support memory
  • Astrocytes also help the brain to process information

How is an astrocytoma brain tumour treated?

The first line treatment for an astrocytoma in adults is usually surgery, if the tumour occurs in a position that makes this possible. Surgery is usually followed by radiotherapy.

For astrocytoma in children, chemotherapy may be the first line of treatment offered.

For astroctyomas that are classified grade 3 or 4, chemotherapy will be offered alongside radiotherapy. This is more unusual for slow-growing low-grade astrocytomas because current chemotherapy drugs, such as Temozolomide, are only effective against cells that are dividing quickly.

Read more about brain tumour treatments

Frequently Asked Questions:

What are the end-of-life symptoms of Astrocytoma?

As astrocytoma progresses, especially in advanced stages or high-grade tumours, individuals may experience end-of-life symptoms. These symptoms can vary depending on factors such as the tumour location, size, and individual variations. It's important to note that each person's experience may differ, and not all symptoms may be present. Here are some common end-of-life symptoms associated with astrocytoma:

Neurological Decline: Astrocytomas can cause progressive neurological decline as the tumour affects brain function. This may manifest as worsening cognitive impairment, confusion, memory loss, difficulty speaking or understanding, and changes in behavior or personality.

Seizures: Seizures are common in individuals with astrocytoma. As the tumour progresses, seizures may become more frequent and severe, sometimes leading to status epilepticus, a prolonged seizure activity that requires immediate medical attention.

Headaches: Headaches are a common symptom of astrocytoma. They may become more intense and resistant to treatment as the tumour progresses. The headaches may be accompanied by nausea and vomiting.

Increased Intracranial Pressure: As the tumour grows, it can cause an increase in intracranial pressure. This can result in symptoms such as persistent headaches, drowsiness, confusion, changes in vision, difficulty with balance and coordination, and in severe cases, coma.

Decline in Physical Functioning: Astrocytomas can affect motor function, leading to weakness, difficulty with movement, coordination problems, and paralysis in some cases. This decline in physical functioning can affect mobility, self-care, and overall independence.

Fatigue and Weakness: Advanced astrocytoma can cause profound fatigue and weakness. Individuals may experience extreme tiredness, reduced energy levels, and a general decline in physical strength.

Changes in Sleep Patterns: Individuals with astrocytoma may experience disruptions in their sleep patterns. This can include difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or excessive sleepiness.

Loss of Appetite and Weight Loss: Loss of appetite and unintentional weight loss are common in end-stage astrocytoma. The tumour's effects on the brain and changes in overall health can lead to reduced interest in food and difficulty with eating.

Difficulty Swallowing and Speaking: As the tumour affects the areas of the brain responsible for swallowing and speaking, individuals may experience difficulty swallowing (dysphagia) and speech problems (dysarthria).

Respiratory Distress: In advanced stages of astrocytoma, individuals may experience respiratory symptoms such as shortness of breath, labored breathing, or irregular breathing patterns.

It's important to note that the presence of these symptoms does not necessarily mean immediate end-of-life is imminent. However, if you or a loved one are experiencing these symptoms or have concerns about end-of-life care, it's essential to consult with a healthcare professional, such as a palliative care specialist or hospice team. They can provide guidance, support, and appropriate interventions to manage symptoms and improve quality of life during this stage.

How can we find a cure for astrocytomas?

Research we are funding across all of our Centres of Excellence will help lead towards finding a cure for astrocytoma brain tumours.

Pioneering research at our Brain Tumour Research Centre of Excellence at Queen Mary University of London is focused on using GBM stem cells to help develop unique, patient-specific treatments that should also benefit those with lower grades of astrocytoma brain tumours.

The team of research and clinical experts at our Centre of Excellence at Imperial College, London, are part of a global collaboration looking at how the ketogenic diet can influence glioblastoma (GBM or astrocytoma grade 4) metabolism and help in the effective treatment and management of living with this brain tumour. They are also studying the influence of arginine deprivation on GBM cells and are working towards a clinical trial to investigate this further. They expect that their discoveries will also benefit low-grade astrocytoma.

We also fund BRAIN UK at Southampton University, the country’s only national tissue bank registry providing crucial access to brain tumour samples for researchers from all clinical neuroscience centres in the UK, effectively covering about 90% of the UK population, and an essential component in the fight to find a cure for all grades of astrocytoma.