Systematic Review of WHO Grade 4 Astrocytoma in the Cerebellopontine Angle: The Impact of Anatomic Corridor on Treatment Options and Outcomes

Background Despite advances in multimodal oncologic therapies and molecular genetics, overall survival (OS) in patients with high-grade astrocytomas remains poor. We present an illustrative case and systematic review of rare, predominantly extra-axial World Health Organization (WHO) grade 4 astrocytomas located within the cerebellopontine angle (CPA) and explore the impact of anatomic location on diagnosis, management, and outcomes. Methods A systematic review of adult patients with predominantly extra-axial WHO grade 4 CPA astrocytomas was conducted following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines through December 2022. Results Eighteen articles were included comprising 21 astrocytomas: 13 exophytic tumors arising from the cerebellopontine parenchyma and 8 tumors originating from a cranial nerve root entry zone. The median OS was 15 months with one-third of cases demonstrating delayed diagnosis. Gross total resection, molecular genetic profiling, and use of ancillary treatment were low. We report the only patient with an integrated isocitrate dehydrogenase 1 (IDH-1) mutant diagnosis, who, after subtotal resection and chemoradiation, remains alive at 40 months without progression. Conclusion The deep conical-shaped corridor and abundance of eloquent tissue of the CPA significantly limits both surgical resection and utility of device-based therapies in this region. Prompt diagnosis, molecular characterization, and systemic therapeutic advances serve as the predominant means to optimize survival for patients with rare skull base astrocytomas.