Juvenile Pilicytic Astrocytoma (JPA)

Also called Juvenile Pilocytic Astrocytoma (JPA)

Characteristics

• Slow growing, with relatively well-defined borders
• Grows in the cerebrum, optic nerve pathways, brain stem and cerebellum
• Occurs most often in children and teens
• Accounts for two percent of all brain tumors

Treatment

Surgery is the standard treatment. If the tumor cannot be completely resected, radiation or chemotherapy may be given. Chemotherapy may be given to very young children instead of radiation therapy to avoid damage to the developing brain. Some of these tumors can progress to a higher grade, so it is important to be diligent about following up with the medical team after treatment.

Please speak with your health care provider for more information about your tumor type, biomarkers, and treatment options, including clinical trials.