Treatment Options
The treatment for a brain tumour depends on several factors, including the type of tumour, its location, size, grade (how quickly it is growing), and the patient's overall health and preferences. Treatment options may include one or a combination of the following:
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Surgery
Surgery is often the first-line treatment for brain tumours when feasible. The goal of surgery is to remove as much of the tumour as possible while preserving neurological function. In some cases, such as with benign tumours or certain types of slow-growing tumours, complete removal may be curative. However, for malignant tumours or tumours in critical areas of the brain, complete removal may not be possible.
Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapy uses high-energy beams to kill cancer cells or stop them from growing. It can be used as the primary treatment for tumours that are difficult to reach with surgery or as adjuvant therapy after surgery to kill any remaining cancer cells. Different types of radiation therapy may be used, including :
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External beam radiation therapy (EBRT) - Targeting the tumour with high-energy rays from outside the body.
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Stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) - Precisely targeting the tumour with focused radiation beams
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Brachytherapy - Placing radioactive material directly into or near the tumour.
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Proton therapy - Protons can be targeted more accurately to the tumour, minimising damage to surrounding healthy tissues and vital structures in the brain
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy involves the use of drugs to kill cancer cells or stop them from growing. It can be given orally or intravenously and may be used alone or in combination with other treatments. Chemotherapy is often used for tumours that are difficult to treat with surgery or radiation, such as high-grade gliomas (e.g., glioblastoma multiforme).
Targeted Therapy
Targeted therapy uses drugs or other substances to specifically target cancer cells while minimising damage to normal cells. These therapies often work by interfering with specific molecules involved in tumour growth and progression. Targeted therapies may be used for certain types of brain tumours, such as those with specific genetic mutations or molecular abnormalities.
Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy harnesses the body's immune system to fight cancer. It works by stimulating the immune system to recognise and attack cancer cells. While immunotherapy has shown promising results in some types of cancer, its role in the treatment of brain tumours is still being investigated in clinical trials.
Supportive Care
In addition to treatments aimed at controlling or eliminating the tumour, supportive care is essential to help manage symptoms, relieve side effects of treatment, and improve the patient's quality of life. This may include medications for pain management, anti-seizure medications, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and supportive services such as counseling and palliative care.
The specific treatment plan for a brain tumour is determined by a multidisciplinary team (MDT) of healthcare professionals, including neurosurgeons, oncologists, radiation oncologists, and other specialists, taking into account the individual characteristics of the tumour and the patient.
It's important for patients to discuss their treatment options thoroughly with their healthcare team to make informed decisions based on their goals, preferences, and the potential risks and benefits of each approach.