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Brain cancer refers to the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells within the brain that can disrupt its normal function. Managing brain cancer often involves a multidisciplinary approach, utilizing various treatments to address the tumor, alleviate symptoms, and improve quality of life. These treatment options can vary depending on the type, size, and location of the tumor, as well as overall health. Here is an overview of different treatments commonly used for brain cancer:
Surgical Interventions
Surgery is often a primary approach for treating brain cancer. The goal of surgical intervention is to remove as much of the tumor as possible while preserving surrounding healthy brain tissue. Neurosurgeons perform this procedure using advanced imaging and surgical tools to achieve high precision.
For some individuals, surgery is curative, especially if the tumor is localized and completely removable. For others, surgery may reduce the size of the tumor to relieve symptoms or make other treatments more effective. Techniques like minimally invasive surgeries and intraoperative imaging have enhanced surgical outcomes by reducing damage to necessary brain regions. Biopsies, a surgical procedure used to collect a small sample of the tumor, are also performed to confirm the diagnosis and identify the tumor type.
Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapy uses targeted high-energy beams, such as X-rays or protons, to destroy cancer cells and prevent their growth. This treatment is often employed after surgery to target any remaining cancer cells. It can also be used as the primary treatment for inoperable tumors.
Two common types of radiation therapy include external beam radiation therapy (EBRT) and stereotactic radiosurgery. EBRT involves delivering precise doses of radiation over several sessions, focusing on the tumor while minimizing damage to surrounding tissue. Stereotactic radiosurgery, despite its name, is a non-invasive procedure. It delivers highly concentrated doses of radiation to the tumor in a single or limited number of sessions. It offers precise targeting with minimal harm to adjacent structures. Radiation therapy can also help alleviate symptoms caused by the tumor, such as pain or neurological deficits, by reducing its size.
Chemotherapy and Targeted Therapies
Chemotherapy involves using drugs to kill cancer cells or prevent them from multiplying. These drugs are typically administered orally or intravenously, allowing them to reach cancer cells throughout the body. For brain cancer, certain chemotherapy drugs, such as temozolomide, are designed to cross the blood-brain barrier, enabling them to reach the tumor effectively.
Targeted therapies represent another treatment option for brain cancer. Unlike chemotherapy, which may affect both cancerous and healthy cells, targeted therapies work by specifically identifying and attacking cancer cell markers without harming normal cells. These therapies may block signals that promote tumor growth, disrupt the tumor’s blood supply, or stimulate the immune system to target the cancer. These treatments are often combined with other therapies, such as surgery or radiation, to enhance overall effectiveness.
Learn More About Brain Cancer
Treatments for cancer in the brain include surgical interventions to remove or reduce tumors, radiation therapy to target cancer cells with high-energy beams, and chemotherapy or targeted therapies to inhibit cancer growth at the cellular level. A multidisciplinary team of specialists develops a comprehensive treatment plan. It is helpful to consult healthcare professionals for personalized guidance based on the latest medical advancements.
