From the Guidelines
Brain tumors can be either slow-growing or fast-growing, depending on their type and grade, with high-grade tumors growing rapidly and potentially doubling in size within weeks, as seen in glioblastomas with a radiographic volume-doubling time of 49.6 days 1. The growth rate of brain tumors significantly impacts treatment approaches and prognosis.
- Low-grade tumors (grades 1 and 2) tend to grow slowly over months or years,
- while high-grade tumors (grades 3 and 4) grow rapidly, sometimes doubling in size within weeks. Benign tumors like meningiomas and pituitary adenomas typically grow slowly and may not require immediate treatment if they're not causing symptoms. In contrast, malignant tumors such as glioblastomas are aggressive and fast-growing, requiring prompt intervention. The growth rate is determined by examining tumor cells under a microscope after biopsy or surgical removal, which helps doctors determine the most appropriate treatment plan. Some brain tumors, like IDH-wildtype glioblastomas, can show changes in tumor size, configuration, and contrast-enhancing uptake within a few weeks, with a growth rate of 1.4% per day 1. The most recent and highest quality study recommends that MRI for neuronavigation should be obtained as close to the resection date as possible, and no more than 7 days preceding surgical tumor resection, to avoid discrepancies between intraoperative findings and preoperative imaging 1. This approach allows for accurate visualization of the tumor and helps guide treatment decisions. Overall, the growth rate of brain tumors is a critical factor in determining the best course of treatment and prognosis, and prompt intervention is often necessary for fast-growing tumors to improve outcomes and quality of life 1.
From the Research
Brain Tumor Growth Rates
- Brain tumors can be either slow-growing or fast-growing, depending on the type of tumor 2.
- Glioblastoma, the most common and aggressive malignant primary brain tumor, is typically fast-growing [(3, 4, 5)].
- The growth rate of brain tumors can be influenced by various factors, including the tumor's genetic characteristics, location, and the patient's overall health [(4, 6)].
Types of Brain Tumors
- Gliomas, including glioblastoma, are the most frequent primary brain tumors [(4, 6)].
- Meningiomas, which are tumors of the meninges, are mostly benign and often slow-growing 2.
- Brain metastases, which are tumors that originate from other parts of the body and spread to the brain, can grow at varying rates depending on the primary cancer 2.
Treatment and Prognosis
- The prognosis for brain tumor patients varies depending on the type and grade of the tumor, as well as the effectiveness of treatment [(3, 4, 5)].
- Treatment options for brain tumors include surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy, which can be used alone or in combination [(3, 4, 6, 5)].
- New and innovative treatments, such as tumor-treating fields and immunotherapy, are being developed and show promise for improving patient outcomes [(4, 5)].