Treatment

Treatment for primary CNS tumors is based on several different factors

• Type of tumor
• Location and size
• Tumor grade and behavior
• Molecular and genetic features
• Extent of disease
• Patient age and overall health
• Functional impact and symptoms

Active surveillance, or observation, or watchful waiting, describe a type of treatment where no actual treatment is done right away. This type of treatment is common for low-grade meningiomas, that can be found earlier due to advancements in imaging. If these patients are asymptomatic, active surveillance will be done until the tumor starts to grow and the patient becomes symptomatic.

See the Central Nervous System Tumors Treatment (PDQ®) - NCI or the Central Nervous System NCCN Guidelines for more complete information on treatment for CNS cancers. Both these websites are updated regularly with current clinical practices.

Updated: September 23, 2026