Research progress in brain cancer treatment brings hope to people with brain tumors, offering new treatments like tumor-treating fields. These innovations mark a positive shift in healthcare. With each discovery, patients feel more optimistic, showing the power of ongoing medical research in fighting brain tumors. In India, the landscape of brain cancer treatment is evolving, with healthcare institutions increasingly adopting these advanced therapies to benefit patients across the country.
It’s important to note that while these treatments hold promise, they may also come with associated costs. Patients should be aware of the potential expenses involved in accessing these therapies and discuss financial considerations with their healthcare providers.
What is Brain Cancer?
A brain tumor is an abnormal growth of cells occurring within or near the brain. These tumors can develop in brain tissue itself or in adjacent areas such as nerves, the pituitary gland, the pineal gland, or the brain’s outer membranes. Primary brain tumors originate within the brain, while secondary brain tumors, also known as metastatic brain tumors, spread to the brain from other parts of the body.
There are various types of primary brain tumors, some of which are benign (noncancerous) and others malignant (cancerous). Benign tumors may grow slowly over time and exert pressure on surrounding brain tissue, whereas malignant tumors can grow rapidly and invade nearby brain tissue, leading to destruction. Brain tumors can vary greatly in size, with some detected early due to noticeable symptoms and others growing considerably before detection, particularly if they arise in less active areas of the brain.
Overview of Brain Cancer Treatment
Treating brain cancer is a complex process that typically involves a multidisciplinary team of healthcare professionals. This team often comprises neurosurgeons specializing in the brain and nervous system, oncologists specializing in cancer, and radiation oncologists who administer radiation therapy. The primary doctor plays a crucial role in coordinating care alongside these specialists. Additionally, the healthcare team may include a dietitian, a social worker, a physical therapist, and other relevant specialists to address various aspects of treatment and overall well-being.
The most common treatments for brain cancer include surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. Often, a combination of these approaches is utilized to effectively manage the disease. The specific treatment plan tailored to you depends on several factors, including the type, size, and location of the tumor, as well as age, overall health status, and any other medical conditions one may have. Additionally, one’s preferences regarding treatment are taken into account to ensure a comprehensive and personalized approach to care.
Different Brain Cancer Treatments
Explore comprehensive approaches, including surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy, in the treatment of brain cancer for improved patient outcomes.
Brain Cancer Surgery
Brain cancer surgery is a common treatment option for many individuals diagnosed with a brain tumor. During surgery, the primary objective is to confirm the presence of the tumor and then attempt to remove it entirely. However, if complete removal is not feasible, the surgeon may extract a sample of the tumor to determine its type.
Before undergoing surgery, patients may undergo several preparatory treatments and procedures. These may include taking steroid drugs like dexamethasone to alleviate swelling and receiving anticonvulsant medication to manage or prevent seizures. In cases where cerebrospinal fluid accumulates around the brain, a surgeon may insert a shunt, a thin plastic tube, to facilitate drainage. The shunt is placed in the space where fluid collects and is then threaded under the skin to another part of the body, allowing for proper drainage.
There are two common types of brain cancer surgery:
Craniotomy: This procedure involves making an incision in the scalp to access the skull. A portion of the skull is then removed to expose the brain, allowing the surgeon to extract the tumor, either in its entirety or as much as possible. Once the tumor is removed, the piece of skull is repositioned, and the scalp is sewn back together.
Neuroendoscopy: In this minimally invasive approach, the surgeon creates a small hole in the skull or accesses the tumor through the nose or mouth, depending on its location. Small tools, including a camera with a tiny lens, are used to visualize and remove the tumor. The camera transmits images to a monitor, aiding the surgeon in precise tumor removal.
In some cases, if a new tumor develops, a second surgery may be necessary. Brain cancer surgery plays a crucial role in tumor removal and symptom relief, often complementing other treatment modalities such as radiation therapy and chemotherapy to enhance overall treatment outcomes and improve patient prognosis.
Factors Influencing the Cost of Brain Tumor Surgery in India
Several factors influence the cost of brain tumor surgery in India:
Neurosurgeon’s Fees: The fees charged by the neurosurgeon play a significant role in determining the overall cost. While charges may vary based on the surgeon’s experience and expertise, selecting a board-certified surgeon ensures quality care and successful outcomes.
Type of Treatment Required: The specific treatment needed for the brain tumor surgery impacts the cost. Procedures like craniotomy, gamma knife, or proton therapy vary in complexity and associated expenses, influenced by individual medical conditions and treatment preferences.
Surgical Facility: The choice of surgical facility, including its accreditation and geographical location, affects the cost. IndiCure offers brain tumor surgeries in accredited facilities staffed by skilled medical professionals, with an emphasis on providing affordable options.
Surgery-Related Expenses: Additional expenses related to the surgery encompass pre- and post-surgical costs. Pre-surgical expenses may involve diagnostic investigations tailored to the patient’s age and medical condition. Post-surgical expenses could include prescribed medications and follow-up consultations to ensure optimal recovery.
By considering these factors, patients can make informed decisions regarding brain tumor surgery in India, balancing quality care with affordability.
Brain tumor surgery in India typically costs an average of INR Rs. 1,90,000, with maximum charges reaching up to INR Rs. 4,50,000.
Radiation Therapy for Brain Cancer
Radiation therapy, also known as radiotherapy, is a key treatment modality for brain cancer, utilizing high-energy rays to target and eliminate tumor cells, thereby halting their growth and spread. It is often employed in cases where surgery is not feasible or as an adjunctive therapy following surgical removal to eradicate any remaining tumor cells.
A notable advantage of radiation therapy is its localized effect, primarily targeting the tumor site while sparing surrounding healthy tissues. This localized approach minimizes the risk of harm to other areas of the body or adjacent brain regions.
There are several methods of delivering radiation therapy for brain cancer:
External Radiation: This technique involves directing a high-energy beam of radiation precisely at the tumor from outside the body. The radiation penetrates the skin, skull, and healthy brain tissue to reach the tumor. Typically administered over five consecutive days, each treatment session lasts only a few minutes.
Internal or Implant Radiation: In this approach, a small radioactive capsule is implanted directly into the tumor. The radiation emitted from the capsule destroys the tumor cells over time. Hospitalization for several days may be necessary during the treatment period, as the radioactivity of the capsule diminishes gradually until the desired dose is administered.
Stereotactic Radiosurgery: This non-invasive technique delivers a concentrated dose of high-energy radiation to the tumor site without the need for surgical intervention. Multiple beams of radiation are precisely targeted at the tumor from various angles, effectively destroying it. Compared to traditional surgery, stereotactic radiosurgery offers fewer complications and a shorter recovery period.
Despite its efficacy, radiation therapy may lead to side effects, including fatigue, skin redness, nausea, hair loss, weight gain, and memory problems. These side effects are generally manageable and temporary, with healthcare providers offering supportive care to alleviate discomfort and enhance patient well-being during the treatment process.
Chemotherapy for Brain Cancer
Chemotherapy employs potent medications to target and destroy tumor cells in brain cancer treatment. Administered orally or through an IV, it may consist of a single drug or a combination. Some medications are infused via a shunt placed to drain excess brain fluid.
Typically delivered in cycles, chemotherapy involves intense treatment periods followed by rest for recovery. Each cycle, lasting a few weeks, is usually followed by two to four cycles. A break then allows for assessing the tumor’s response.
While effective, chemotherapy may induce side effects such as nausea, vomiting, mouth sores, appetite loss, hair loss, weight loss, diarrhea, bruising, bleeding, and increased infection risk due to immune system suppression. Medications can alleviate these effects, ensuring patients’ comfort and well-being during treatment.
Immunotherapy for Brain Cancer
Immunotherapy is a good approach in brain tumor treatment, harnessing the body’s natural immune system to combat cancer cells. At the forefront of this treatment are T cells, a crucial component of the immune system renowned for their ability to identify and eliminate foreign invaders, including cancerous cells.
T cells play a major role in safeguarding the body against infections and malignancies by recognizing “non-self” entities such as viruses, bacteria, and mutated proteins expressed by tumor cells. These mutated proteins, perceived as “foreign” by T cells, prompt an immune response aimed at neutralizing the threat.
Immunotherapy seeks to activate and enhance this anti-tumor T cell response, thereby unleashing the immune system’s full potential in eradicating brain tumors. By stimulating T cells to specifically target and attack tumor cells, immunotherapy holds promise for achieving complete tumor eradication and preventing disease recurrence.
Through various immunotherapeutic strategies, including immune checkpoint inhibitors, adoptive T cell therapy, and cancer vaccines, researchers aim to bolster the immune response against brain tumors. These treatments are designed to unleash a sustained and potent anti-tumor immune response, ultimately leading to improved outcomes for patients.
While still evolving, immunotherapy represents a promising frontier in brain tumor treatment, offering the potential for long-lasting remission and enhanced survival rates. Continued research and advancements in immunotherapeutic approaches hold the key to unlocking the full therapeutic potential of harnessing the immune system in the fight against brain cancer.
Also Read: Immunotherapy for Brain Cancer
Tumor Treating Fields For Brain Cancer
Tumor treating fields use painless electric pulses to stop brain tumor cells from multiplying, slowing down their growth. The device, shaped like a swim cap connected to a small backpack, sends these pulses. But it might cause scalp irritation and needs regular shaving of the head.
Targeted Drug Therapy for Brain Cancer
Targeted drug therapy for brain tumors involves medications to attack specific cell traits, effectively limiting or halting the tumor’s spread. Unlike chemotherapy, targeted therapies focus solely on malignant cells, sparing healthy tissue and thereby reducing the likelihood of severe side effects.
These drugs are commonly utilized in the treatment of metastatic brain tumors, often complementing other therapeutic modalities such as surgery or radiation. By selectively targeting tumor cells, these medications offer a promising approach to cancer treatment, with the potential to improve patient outcomes while minimizing adverse effects on overall health.
Brain Cancer Treatment Options By Type
Different types of brain tumors require specific treatment approaches:
Oligodendroglioma: Radiation therapy combined with chemotherapy (PCV) is recommended for grade 2 or grade 3 tumors with certain genetic mutations. Treatment may start when symptoms occur or if the tumor grows.
Astrocytoma: Grade 2 tumors with an IDH mutation may undergo radiation therapy followed by chemotherapy (temozolomide or PCV). Grade 3 tumors with the same mutation should receive radiation therapy followed by temozolomide or both treatments together. Grade 4 tumors with this mutation are treated similarly.
Glioblastoma: For most grade 4 tumors or grade 2/3 tumors without an IDH mutation, radiation therapy and temozolomide chemotherapy together are recommended. Afterwards, 6 months of temozolomide is advised. Alternating electric field therapy may also be suggested for some cases.
If treatment becomes too challenging, supportive care, hypofractionated radiation therapy, and/or temozolomide may be recommended.
Survival rates for brain cancer vary widely, affected by factors like the type of cancer, its location, whether it started in the brain or spread from elsewhere, surgical options, age, and other health conditions.
