Diagnosis and Treatment of Spinal Astrocytoma: A Literature Review.

Abstract

Spinal astrocytoma is a rare central nervous system tumor that originates in the astrocytic cells of the spinal cord. Although they account for 5-10% of primary spinal tumors, their diagnosis and treatment continue to be challenging due to their clinical and radiological heterogeneity. The aim of this review is to explore the most recent advances in the diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of spinal astrocytomas, with an emphasis on emerging therapies and their impact on patients' quality of life. The methodology followed was a narrative review of the scientific literature published between 2019 and 2025, obtained through the PubMed database. The selected studies addressed key topics such as imaging techniques for diagnosis, therapeutic options (surgical, radiotherapeutic, and chemotherapeutic), and emerging treatments, such as molecular and gene therapy. A qualitative analysis was carried out to identify current trends and areas requiring further research. The results revealed that magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) remains the primary tool for diagnosis, while surgery is the most commonly used treatment, especially in low-grade astrocytomas. Radiotherapy and chemotherapy are fundamental in high-grade tumors, and molecular and gene therapies are gaining relevance in the treatment of recurrent or resistant tumors. In conclusion, while significant progress has been made, early diagnosis and effective treatment remain important challenges. Future research in personalized therapies and advanced imaging techniques will be crucial to improve outcomes for patients with spinal astrocytomas.