Non-Surgical Treatment Options for Brain Tumours
Non-Surgical Treatment Options for Brain Tumours: What You Need to Know
By: Dr Aabhinav agrahari
Brain & Spine Surgeon.
Understanding Brain Tumours
A brain tumor is an abnormal growth of cells within the brain or its surrounding structures. While the idea of a brain tumor can be overwhelming, not all tumors are malignant (cancerous), and not all require surgery. Thanks to medical advancements, several non-surgical treatment options are now available, offering hope to patients who cannot or prefer not to undergo surgery.
If you're searching for the best brain tumor doctor in Okhla, it’s essential to understand all your treatment options, including non-invasive or minimally invasive therapies.
Why Surgery Isn’t Always the First Choice
Surgery is often the go-to treatment for accessible brain tumors. However, surgery might not be possible in some cases:
- Tumor location is deep within or near critical brain structures.
- Patient age or health makes surgery too risky.
- Tumor type is slow-growing or responsive to other treatments.
- Personal preference when surgery poses psychological distress or lifestyle limitations.
In such cases, non-surgical options offer effective alternatives. Let’s explore them below.
1. Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapy uses high-energy beams (like X-rays or protons) to destroy tumor cells.
Types of Radiation Therapy:
- External Beam Radiation Therapy (EBRT): Targets the tumor precisely over several sessions.
- Stereotactic Radiosurgery (SRS): Despite the name, this is a non-surgical method that delivers a single high dose of focused radiation. It's ideal for small tumors or remnants after partial surgical removal.
- Proton Beam Therapy: A more targeted form of radiation that spares surrounding healthy tissue.
Benefits:
- Painless and non-invasive
- Effective in shrinking or controlling the tumor
- Often used when surgery isn’t safe
2. Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy involves using drugs to kill or stop the growth of tumor cells. These drugs can be taken orally or intravenously and sometimes delivered directly into the cerebrospinal fluid.
When is it used?
- For malignant (cancerous) brain tumors
- Alongside radiation for a combined effect
- When surgery isn't viable
Newer approaches include:
- Targeted therapy: Drugs that specifically target tumor cells.
- Immunotherapy: Enhances the body’s immune response to fight cancer cells.
3. Tumor Treating Fields (TTF)
This is a newer, innovative treatment involving wearable devices that deliver low-intensity electric fields to the tumor site. These fields disrupt cell division, slowing or stopping tumor growth.
Benefits:
- Non-invasive and wearable
- Can be used alongside chemotherapy
- Shown to extend survival in patients with glioblastoma
Patients looking for cutting-edge treatments often consult the best brain tumor doctor in Okhla for advanced therapies like TTF.
4. Medications for Symptom Management
Sometimes, managing the symptoms is a critical part of the treatment. Non-surgical interventions include:
- Steroids to reduce brain swelling
- Anti-seizure medications for tumor-induced seizures
- Pain relievers and anti-nausea drugs
- Hormonal therapy, if the tumor affects the endocrine system
These are supportive treatments that can vastly improve the quality of life.
5. Clinical Trials
Clinical trials offer access to groundbreaking treatments not yet widely available. These may include novel immunotherapies, gene therapies, or advanced combinations of current therapies.
Many specialists, especially those known as the best brain tumor doctors in Okhla, participate in or refer patients to such trials, giving patients access to new hope.
Choosing the Right Treatment Path
Every brain tumor is unique. A multidisciplinary team including neurologists, oncologists, radiation specialists, and rehabilitation experts is essential to formulating a tailored treatment plan.
If you or a loved one is diagnosed with a brain tumor, it’s crucial to consult with an experienced and compassionate specialist. Finding the best brain tumor doctor in Okhla ensures that you receive expert guidance, the latest treatment options, and comprehensive care.
Conclusion
While surgery remains an important tool in the treatment of brain tumors, it is not the only option. With advancements in radiation, chemotherapy, targeted therapies, and wearable technologies like Tumor Treating Fields, many patients now have non-surgical paths to managing or even defeating their diagnosis.
Your journey starts with the right consultation. Seek a trusted specialist—someone recognized as the best brain tumor doctor in Okhla—to explore the most suitable non-surgical options for you.