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Pleomorphic Xanthoastrocytoma (PXA) is a rare brain tumour, most commonly affecting children and young adults. To date, only few data regarding the long-term follow-up of these patients after surgery are available. The aim of this study is to describe our single-institution experience in the surgical management of this particular glioma over a period of over 18 years.We performed a retrospective review of all cases of PXA (40 patients) operated upon at the Department of Neurosurgery of Verona, Italy, between 1990 and 2008. The impact of clinical, radiological, surgical and histological factors on overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) was analysed by means of univariate and multivariate models.We achieved a gross total resection (GTR) in 65% of patients. Histological diagnosis was of grade II in 80%; anaplastic features were present in the remaining 20%. Adjuvant treatment, radiotherapy or chemo-radiotherapy, was administered in 40% of the cases. Median follow-up was 74 months. OS at 5- and 10 years was 76.32% and 68.24%, respectively. PFS at 5- and 10 years was 71% and 58%, respectively. In the multivariate model, histological grade, extent of resection and age at diagnosis (≤ 30 years vs30 years) were the only independent prognostic factors for both OS and PFS.Our retrospective long-term study confirms the relatively favourable prognosis associated with PXA. Young patients with a low-grade tumour (WHO grade II) who underwent GTR carry the longest OS and PFS.

There is increasing evidence that the extent of tumor removal in low-grade glioma surgery is related to patient survival time. Thus, the goal of resecting the largest amount of tumor possible without leading to permanent neurological sequelae is a challenge for the neurosurgeon. Electrical stimulation of the brain to detect cortical and axonal areas involved in motor, language, and cognitive function and located within the tumor or along its boundaries has become an essential tool in combination with awake craniotomy. Based on a literature review, discussions within the European Low-Grade Glioma Group, and illustrative clinical experience, the authors of this paper provide an overview for neurosurgeons, neurophysiologists, linguists, and anesthesiologists as well as those new to the field about the stimulation techniques currently being used for mapping sensorimotor, language, and cognitive function in awake surgery for low-grade glioma. The paper is intended to help the understanding of these techniques and facilitate a comparison of results between users.