Brain Tumor Survival Rate

Brain tumor survival rate depends primarily on the type of cancer that a patient has been diagnosed with. Some types of brain cancer, such as meningioma, ependymoma and oligodendroglioma, are highly treatable, while others may be less responsive to curative therapies.

While the type of cancer such as CNS Lymphoma or Medulloblastoma is one of the most important factors in determining the overall survival rate, other details also have an impact. Younger patients tend to have more favorable survival rates than patients who develop brain cancer later in life, and patients who are diagnosed with lower-grade tumors often have better outcomes than patients with higher-grade malignancies.

What are the survival rates for brain cancer?

The survival rates for brain cancer vary widely depending on the type of tumor and the age of the patient. Here are some basic survival rate statistics, as reported by the American Cancer Society:

• Oligodendroglioma - 90% for patients 20-44, 82% for patients 45-54 and 69% for patients 55-64
• Meningioma - 84% for patients 20-44, 79% for patients 45-54 and 74% for patients 55-64
• Glioblastoma - 22% for patients 20-44, 9% for patients 45-54 and 6% for patients 55-64
• Ependymoma/anaplastic ependymoma - 92% for patients 20-44, 90% for patients 45-54 and 87% for patients 55-64
• Anaplastic astrocytoma - 58% for patients 20-44, 29% for patients 45-54 and 15% for patients 55-64

Although survival rates can be informative for patients who want to know more about their possible prognoses, these broad statistics aren’t truly indicative of any one person’s projected outcome. That’s because general survival rates:

• Are based on data collected from a large population of people
• Don’t take into account personal factors, such as a patient’s unique response to treatment
• Are based on data from patients who entered treatment at least five years ago. As a result, they do not account for advancements in research and treatment that have occurred since that time

Brain cancer treatment at Moffitt Cancer Center

At Moffitt Cancer Center, we take an individualized approach to brain tumor treatment, offering patients a wide range of evidence-based therapies that a team of experts will recommend for each patient’s unique situation. More importantly, we see our patients as more than just statistics. Our brain cancer team works tirelessly to help our patients access the most beneficial therapies available while ensuring that they maintain the best possible quality of life.

Medically Reviewed by Dr. Michael Vogelbaum, Program Leader, Department of Neuro-Oncology and Chief of Neurosurgery

For more information about the brain tumor survival rate and how it can be improved by appropriate treatment, call 1-888-663-3488 or complete a new patient registration form. No referral is necessary to consult with our oncologists specializing in brain cancer.