Treatment Options for Brain Cancer
Brain cancer refers to an overgrowth of malignant (cancerous) cells in the brain that form masses called brain tumors. Brain cancer can be primary, meaning that the cancer started in the brain, or secondary, meaning that the cancer spread to the brain from another part of the body. The spread of cancer to the brain is also called metastatic brain cancer.
Treatment goals may differ based on the type, stage, and location of the brain cancer. The objective of treating brain cancer may include:
- Curative: The aim of curative treatment is to completely remove the brain tumor and all cancer cells. This may be possible for some primary brain cancers.
- Slow progression and reduce complications: If curative treatment is not an option, the objective shifts to slowing down the progression (growth) of the tumor and prolonging survival. This may involve a combination of treatments.
- Symptom management: Brain tumors may cause a variety of neurologic symptoms, including headaches, seizures, and physical movement effects. Symptom management aims to alleviate symptoms as much as possible.
Treatment of brain cancer depends on the type, stage, and location of the brain tumor. A treatment plan is highly individualized based on a person’s specific situation. Treatments options for brain cancer may include:
- Surgery: Surgery is often the initial treatment for many types of brain tumors. It aims to remove the tumor and reduce intracranial pressure. The surgery can effectively improve seizure control and alleviate symptoms caused by pressure and swelling in the brain. However, it carries certain risks, such as bleeding, fluid buildup in the brain, and new neurological problems. Brain tumors can regrow so on-going monitoring may be needed after surgery.
- Radiation Therapy: Radiation therapy is typically recommended when there are multiple brain tumors or when single tumors cannot be surgically removed. It uses high-energy x-ray beams to damage or destroy tumor cells, thereby shrinking the tumor. This treatment may be given externally, using a machine outside the body (external beam radiation). Radiation therapy can help to eliminate any remaining tumor cells after surgery and reduce the risk of recurrence. There are different types of radiation therapy that may be used for certain brain cancers.
- Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy involves using drugs to kill cancer cells or stop them from growing. For brain cancer, it is often used in combination with other treatments, such as surgery or radiation therapy. Chemotherapy may be given orally or intravenously (through a vein). The drugs travel through the bloodstream to reach cancer cells throughout the body, including in the brain.
- Immunotherapy: Immunotherapy is a type of treatment that helps the immune system fight cancer cells. It uses substances made by the body or in a laboratory to boost or restore the immune system's ability to recognize and destroy cancer cells. Immunotherapy may be used alone or in combination with other treatments for brain cancer.
- While lifestyle behavior modifications like smoking cessation, alcohol moderation, nutrition and diet changes, and activity changes are important for overall health and well-being, they are not considered primary treatments for brain cancer. These modifications can support overall health but should always be discussed with a healthcare provider alongside other recommended treatments.
It's important to note that the specific treatment approach for brain cancer depends on various factors, including the type of primary cancer, number and location of brain lesions, extent of the primary cancer, patient's general health, and their response to previous treatments like chemotherapy. Therefore, it is crucial for individuals with brain cancer to consult with their healthcare team to determine the most appropriate treatment plan for their specific situation.