ABSTRACT
High-grade gliomas (HGGs) are the most frequent malignant brain tumors in adults, but they are very rare in children. Patients become symptomatic with headaches, nausea, or vomiting, or present with focal neurological signs such as hemiplegia. The clinical situation deteriorates rapidly. A computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan will show the brain tumor, which is typically inhomogeneously contrastenhancing. The final diagnosis is made by histology, which requires at least a biopsy as the surgical procedure. The treatment includes maximal possible surgery, irradiation, and chemotherapy. This standard approach can cure a few patients, but the general prognosis remains poor. Most tumors relapse within one or two years. HGG is therefore a major subject for medical research, including experimental treatments. This chapter will elucidate in more detail the classification, tumor biology, standard clinical management, and some of the experimental approaches.
