Pathophysiologic Basis for Brain Tumor Chemotherapy

摘要: In order to understand the rationale underlying brain tumor chemotherapy, it is important review unique properties of tumors. Unlike most carcinomas and sarcomas that are malignant because their propensity metastasize, tumors generally remain confined central nevous system. Histologically, they span a spectrum from slow-growing, low-grade astrocytomas aggressive glioblastoma multiforme, with capacity double in size every six days [1]. Unfortunately, may be very small low histologic grade, such as brainstem astrocytoma, but can nevertheless rapidly kill patient if untreated. systemic tumors, felt one kilogram (1012 cells) burden lethal patient. setting tumor, 100 grams or less lethal.