National Center for Advancing and Translational Sciences Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center, a program of the National Center for Advancing and Translational Sciences

Anaplastic oligoastrocytoma


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Anaplastic oligoastrocytoma is a brain tumor that forms when two types of cells in the brain, called oligodendrocytes and astrocytes, rapidly increase in number to form a mass.  These brain cells are known as glial cells, which normally protect and support nerve cells in the brain.  Because an oligoastrocytoma is made up of a combination of two cell types, it is known as a mixed glioma.[1]  An oligoastrocytoma is described as anaplastic when the tumor grows quickly and the cancer cells within the tumor have the potential to spread into surrounding brain tissue or to more distant parts of the body.  Oligoastrocytomas usually occur in a part of the brain called the cerebrum and are diagnosed in adults between the ages of 30 and 50.[2]  The exact cause of this condition is unknown.[3][2]
Last updated: 10/8/2012
The symptoms of oligoastrocytoma depend on the size of the tumor and its exact location in the brain.  The most common symptoms include headaches, seizures, and changes in personality.[2]
Last updated: 10/5/2012
Treatment of anaplastic oligoastrocytoma depends on the size and location of the tumor.  If possible, treatment begins with surgery to remove as much of the tumor as possible.  Chemotherapy or radiation therapy may be needed following surgery to destroy any remaining cancer cells.[4]
Last updated: 10/8/2012

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Clinical Research Resources

  • ClinicalTrials.gov lists trials that are related to Anaplastic oligoastrocytoma. Click on the link to go to ClinicalTrials.gov to read descriptions of these studies.

    Please note: Studies listed on the ClinicalTrials.gov website are listed for informational purposes only; being listed does not reflect an endorsement by GARD or the NIH. We strongly recommend that you talk with a trusted healthcare provider before choosing to participate in any clinical study.

These resources provide more information about this condition or associated symptoms. The in-depth resources contain medical and scientific language that may be hard to understand. You may want to review these resources with a medical professional.

Where to Start

  • The National Cancer Institute provides the most current information on cancer for patients, health professionals, and the general public.

In-Depth Information

  • The Monarch Initiative brings together data about this condition from humans and other species to help physicians and biomedical researchers. Monarch’s tools are designed to make it easier to compare the signs and symptoms (phenotypes) of different diseases and discover common features. This initiative is a collaboration between several academic institutions across the world and is funded by the National Institutes of Health. Visit the website to explore the biology of this condition.

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  1. Oligoastrocytoma. National Cancer Institute. http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary/?CdrID=321382. Accessed 10/4/2012.
  2. American Brain Tumor Association. Oligoastrocytoma. Understanding Brain Tumors. 2012; http://www.abta.org/understanding-brain-tumors/types-of-tumors/oligoastrocytoma.html. Accessed 10/4/2012.
  3. Oligodendroglioma and Oligoastrocytoma. American Brain Tumor Association. http://www.abta.org/siteFiles/SitePages/BE237E81490FDB6286AF83C71D912A42.pdf. Accessed 10/4/2012.
  4. National Comprehensive Cancer Network. Central Nervous System Cancers. NCCN Clinical Practics Guidelines in Oncology. 2012; http://www.nccn.org/professionals/physician_gls/pdf/cns.pdf. Accessed 10/4/2012.