ABSTRACT
Brain tumors are primary or metastatic malignancies of the central nervous system (CNS), with significant morbidity and mortality. In the spectrum of neurologic disorders, brain tumors are second only to strokes as the leading cause of death. Their treatment requires the cooperative efforts of a multispecialty team, including neurologists, neurosurgeons, radiation therapists, and medical oncologists. The incidence of brain tumors is increasing in the elderly, and their management needs to be adjusted to the specific needs of the older patients. Until recently, these patients were managed with supportive care only, and were not considered eligible for clinical trials.1 The attitude of the medical community is changing, as more elderly patients desire and receive therapy for brain tumors. This change has been made possible by recent advances in basic and clinical research regarding the management of brain tumors, and as treatment modalities are perfected. The overall prognosis remains poor, and there is an ongoing search for new, more effective therapies.
