Childhood astrocytoma is a disease in which benign (noncancer) or malignant (cancer) cells form in the tissues of the brain. Astrocytomas are tumors that start in star-shaped brain cells called astrocytes.An astrocyte is a type of glial cell.hildhood astrocytoma is a disease in which benign (noncancer) or malignant (cancer) cells form in the tissues of the brain. Astrocytomas are tumors that start in star-shaped brain cells called astrocytes.
Medication. A few medications may sometimes cause peripheral neuropathy as a side effect in some people. These include: 1  some types of chemotherapy for cancer (especially for bowel cancer, lymphoma or myeloma). 2  some antibiotics, if taken for months (metronidazole, nitrofurantoin).
Exclusion Criteria. 1  Diagnosis (current or previous) of peripheral neuropathy (from diabetes or other causes) 2  Previous exposure to neurotoxic chemotherapy drugs including taxanes, platinum agents, vinca alkaloids, or epothilones.