The treatment of brain cancer depends on several factors, including the type, size, location of the tumor, and the patient’s overall health. Here are the primary treatment options available:

1. Surgery

• Purpose: To remove as much of the tumor as possible.
• Procedure: A neurosurgeon performs a craniotomy to access and remove the tumor.
• Considerations: Complete removal may not always be possible if the tumor is near critical brain structures. Partial removal can still help reduce symptoms and improve the effectiveness of other treatments.
• Sources: American Cancer Society, Mayo Clinic

2. Radiation Therapy

• Purpose: To destroy cancer cells and shrink tumors.
• Types:
  • External Beam Radiation Therapy (EBRT): Delivers high-energy beams to the tumor from outside the body.
  • Stereotactic Radiosurgery (SRS): A precise form of radiation therapy that delivers high doses to a small, targeted area, such as Gamma Knife or CyberKnife.
  • Brachytherapy: Involves placing radioactive material inside or near the tumor.
• Sources: National Cancer Institute, American Cancer Society

3. Chemotherapy

• Purpose: To kill cancer cells or stop their growth.
• Administration: Chemotherapy drugs can be administered orally, intravenously, or directly into the cerebrospinal fluid (intrathecal chemotherapy).
• Common Drugs: Temozolomide (Temodar) is a commonly used chemotherapy drug for brain tumors.
• Sources: Mayo Clinic, American Cancer Society

4. Targeted Therapy

• Purpose: To specifically target cancer cells with minimal damage to normal cells.
• Types:
  • Bevacizumab (Avastin): A monoclonal antibody that inhibits blood vessel growth in tumors (angiogenesis inhibitor).
  • Other Targeted Drugs: Various drugs target specific genetic mutations or proteins involved in tumor growth.
• Sources: National Cancer Institute, American Cancer Society

5. Immunotherapy

• Purpose: To boost the body's natural defenses to fight cancer.
• Types:
  • Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors: Drugs that help the immune system recognize and attack cancer cells.
  • Cancer Vaccines: Vaccines designed to stimulate the immune system to attack cancer cells.
• Sources: National Cancer Institute, American Cancer Society

6. Clinical Trials

• Purpose: To test new treatments or new ways of using existing treatments.
• Availability: Patients can participate in clinical trials to access cutting-edge therapies that are not yet widely available.
• Sources: ClinicalTrials.gov, National Cancer Institute

7. Supportive and Palliative Care

• Purpose: To improve quality of life by managing symptoms and side effects of cancer and its treatment.
• Services: Pain management, physical therapy, nutritional support, and counseling.
• Sources: American Cancer Society, Mayo Clinic

Conclusion

The treatment plan for brain cancer is tailored to the individual patient's needs and may involve a combination of surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, and participation in clinical trials. Ongoing supportive and palliative care are also crucial to address symptoms and improve quality of life.

Further Reading

• American Cancer Society: Treating Brain and Spinal Cord Tumors in Adults
• Mayo Clinic: Brain Tumor Treatment
• National Cancer Institute: Adult Brain Tumor Treatment (PDQ®)–Patient Version
• ClinicalTrials.gov

These resources provide detailed information on the various treatment options for brain cancer.