Chemotherapy is commonly administered alongside radiation for anaplastic astrocytoma. Temozolomide is the most frequently used oral chemotherapy agent due to its ability to cross the blood-brain barrier.

Treatment regimens often involve concurrent chemoradiation followed by maintenance chemotherapy cycles. Side effects may include fatigue, nausea, and lowered blood counts, which are monitored regularly.

Research into targeted therapies aims to exploit molecular characteristics of tumors. IDH inhibitors and other pathway-specific drugs are under investigation to improve precision treatment.

Personalized therapy based on tumor genetics continues to shape future treatment strategies.