25 Brain Tumor Treatments

25 Brain Tumor Treatments

Each year, approximately 25,000 patients in the United States are diagnosed with a brain tumor. Brain tumors are classified into two primary categories: Primary and Secondary. A Primary brain tumor originates in the brain itself, while a Secondary brain tumor forms as a result of cancer spreading (metastasizing) from other parts of the body. These tumors can develop from cancers in organs such as the lungs, kidneys, or other areas, and the cancer cells travel through the bloodstream to the brain. While Primary brain tumors are more commonly diagnosed in children, Secondary brain tumors are far more prevalent, particularly in adults.

Despite advancements in medical science, the exact cause of brain tumors is not fully understood. However, certain risk factors may increase the likelihood of developing a brain tumor, including smoking, poor diet, obesity, and genetic predispositions. A family history of brain cancer may also increase your risk, as specific gene mutations could be inherited.

Regardless of the type of tumor, early diagnosis and appropriate treatment are crucial for improving outcomes. Brain tumor treatment options have significantly evolved over the years, providing patients with more effective and less invasive approaches. In this blog, we’ll explore the 25 different treatments available for brain tumors and how each one works.

1. Chemotherapy: Targeting Cancer Cells

Chemotherapy is one of the most common treatments for both Primary and Secondary brain tumors. This treatment involves the use of powerful drugs to kill or slow the growth of cancer cells. Chemotherapy drugs can be delivered orally or intravenously, and their effectiveness depends on the type and location of the brain tumor. In some cases, chemotherapy is used in combination with other treatments, such as surgery or radiation therapy.

2. Radiation Therapy: High-Energy Radiation to Shrink Tumors

Radiation therapy uses high-energy rays to target and kill cancer cells. This treatment is particularly useful for patients who cannot undergo surgery or for those with tumors located in areas that are difficult to reach. There are different types of radiation therapy, including external beam radiation, where radiation is directed from outside the body, and internal radiation, also known as brachytherapy, where radioactive material is placed directly in or near the tumor.

3. Radiosurgery: Precision Treatment

Radiosurgery, a non-invasive treatment, involves the use of focused beams of radiation to target the tumor with high precision. It is typically used for smaller tumors or tumors that are located in hard-to-reach areas of the brain. One of the most well-known types of radiosurgery is the Gamma Knife, which delivers a concentrated dose of radiation to the tumor without affecting the surrounding healthy brain tissue.

4. Gamma Knife: A Specialized Form of Radiosurgery

The Gamma Knife is an advanced form of radiosurgery that uses 201 precisely focused beams of radiation to treat brain tumors. It allows surgeons to deliver targeted radiation to tumors deep within the brain with minimal impact on surrounding tissue. This method is particularly beneficial for patients with inoperable tumors or those who are unable to undergo traditional surgery.

5. Open Surgical Procedures: Craniotomy

In cases where a brain tumor is accessible and removable, surgery may be the most effective option. A craniotomy is a procedure in which a section of the skull is removed to access the brain. The surgeon then carefully removes the tumor while preserving as much healthy tissue as possible. This procedure may be performed using traditional methods or with advanced tools to minimize risks and complications.

6. Use of ACE Kerrison Rongeurs for Skull Removal

During a craniotomy, specialized instruments like ACE Kerrison Rongeurs are used to help remove the skull flap with precision and safety. These ceramic rongeurs are designed to cut and remove bone efficiently, providing the neurosurgeon with clear access to the brain. The use of ACE Kerrison Rongeurs is particularly important in ensuring that the skull removal process is as smooth and precise as possible, which minimizes the risks to the patient during surgery.

7. Protecting Healthy Brain Tissue: Telfa Sponges

When removing a brain tumor, it’s essential to protect the healthy tissue surrounding the tumor. To prevent unwanted damage, surgeons often use non-stick pads like the Telfa product. Telfa sponges are ideal for ensuring that the surrounding tissue is not injured during surgery. Their non-stick surface prevents tissue from adhering to the sponges, reducing the risk of complications. For more delicate cases, ACE Medical Company offers even thinner options, such as the Delicot, to provide the gentlest touch possible during surgery.

8. Brain Tumor Biopsy: Confirming the Type

Once a portion of the tumor is removed, the surgeon sends it for testing to confirm the type of tumor. Some brain tumors, such as glioblastomas, are more aggressive and require different surgical and treatment approaches than slower-growing tumors. The biopsy results are crucial in determining the most effective treatment plan for the patient.

9. Gliomas: Common and Challenging Tumors

Gliomas are one of the most common types of brain tumors and originate from the supportive cells in the brain called glial cells. These tumors can vary in size and aggressiveness. Glioblastomas, a type of glioma, are among the most aggressive and difficult-to-treat brain tumors. Surgical removal, combined with radiation and chemotherapy, is often necessary to manage gliomas effectively.

10. Glioblastomas: The Most Aggressive Brain Tumors

Glioblastomas are notorious for their rapid growth and resistance to conventional treatments. These tumors require a multi-pronged treatment approach, including surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy. Despite aggressive treatment, glioblastomas often have a poor prognosis, making early diagnosis and intervention crucial.

11. Lymphomas: Tumors of the Lymphatic System

Brain lymphomas, or primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL), are rare tumors that arise from the lymphatic tissue in the brain. These tumors are often treated with chemotherapy and radiation, as they are typically resistant to surgery due to their location.

12. Pituitary Tumors: Affecting Hormonal Function

Pituitary tumors form in the pituitary gland, a small organ at the base of the brain that controls hormonal functions. These tumors can affect hormone production and cause a range of symptoms, including vision problems and changes in metabolism. Treatment often involves surgery to remove the tumor, followed by radiation or medication to regulate hormone levels.

13. Skull Base Tumors: Challenging Locations

Skull base tumors are located at the base of the skull, where the brain and spinal cord meet. These tumors can be difficult to treat due to their location near critical structures such as nerves and blood vessels. Surgical removal, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy are often required for skull base tumor management.

14. Spine Tumors: Treatment Approaches for Spinal Involvement

Brain tumors can sometimes affect the spinal cord, requiring different treatment approaches. Spinal tumors may be treated with surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. These tumors can cause significant pain and neurological deficits, so early intervention is essential for optimal outcomes.

15. Minimally Invasive Techniques: Reducing Recovery Time

In recent years, minimally invasive techniques have become more common in brain tumor surgeries. These methods use smaller incisions and specialized tools to remove tumors with less disruption to the surrounding tissue. These techniques result in shorter recovery times and fewer complications for patients.

16. Laser Surgery: Precision Treatment for Inoperable Tumors

Laser surgery is another innovative method used to treat brain tumors. A thin laser fiber is inserted through a small incision and used to target and vaporize tumor cells. This technique is especially useful for inoperable tumors or those in delicate areas of the brain.

17. Clinical Trials: Exploring New Treatments

For patients with difficult-to-treat brain tumors, clinical trials offer access to the latest experimental treatments. These trials test new drugs, surgical techniques, and other therapies that may not yet be widely available. Patients who participate in clinical trials contribute to the development of more effective brain tumor treatments for future generations.

18. Targeted Therapy: Focused on Tumor Cells

Targeted therapy is an emerging treatment that focuses on specific molecules within the tumor cells. By targeting the unique characteristics of the tumor, these therapies can more effectively destroy cancer cells while minimizing damage to healthy tissue.

19. Immunotherapy: Boosting the Immune System

Immunotherapy is a treatment that stimulates the body’s immune system to recognize and attack brain tumor cells. While still being researched for brain tumors, immunotherapy has shown promise in treating other types of cancers and could offer new hope for patients with brain tumors in the future.

20. Proton Therapy: Precision Radiation Treatment

Proton therapy is a type of radiation therapy that uses protons instead of traditional X-rays to target the tumor. Because protons can be more precisely controlled, proton therapy may offer an advantage in treating tumors located near critical structures in the brain.

21. Steroids: Reducing Inflammation

Steroids are often prescribed to reduce inflammation around brain tumors, which can help alleviate symptoms such as swelling, headaches, and nausea. While steroids don’t treat the tumor directly, they can improve the patient’s quality of life during treatment.

22. Pain Management: Alleviating Discomfort

Pain management is an important aspect of brain tumor treatment. Depending on the tumor’s location and severity, patients may require pain-relieving medications to manage discomfort and maintain their quality of life during treatment.

23. Physical Therapy: Regaining Mobility and Function

After brain tumor surgery or treatment, patients may require physical therapy to help them regain lost motor functions, coordination, and strength. Therapy can help improve mobility and independence as the patient recovers.

24. Speech Therapy: Restoring Communication Skills

If a brain tumor affects areas of the brain responsible for language and communication, speech therapy can help patients recover their ability to speak, understand language, and communicate effectively.

25. Supportive Care: Emotional and Psychological Support

Living with a brain tumor can be emotionally and psychologically challenging. Supportive care, including counseling and support groups, is essential to help patients and their families cope with the emotional burden of diagnosis and treatment.

Conclusion

Brain tumors can be incredibly challenging to treat due to their location and complexity, but advancements in medical science have provided patients with numerous treatment options. From surgery to chemotherapy, radiation, and cutting-edge therapies like Gamma Knife radiosurgery, patients now have more choices than ever before. Surgical instruments such as ACE Kerrison Rongeurs, ACE Bipolar Forceps, and Telfa Sponges are invaluable tools in ensuring that surgeries are carried out safely and effectively, with minimal damage to surrounding tissues.

Early detection and a personalized treatment plan are key in ensuring the best possible care for brain tumor patients. If you or someone you know is facing a brain tumor diagnosis, it’s important to seek expert advice and stay informed about emerging treatments and technologies. With the right care and support, the future for patients with brain tumors is brighter than ever before.

Treatment options can include Chemotherapy, radiotherapy, radiosurgery, Gamma Knife, and even open surgical procedures. When surgical intervention is required for treatment, your Neurosurgeon will remove a section of the skull to access the tumor. This would be referred to as a craniotomy. ACE Medical Company offers our PVD Black kerrison’s to help remove the skull flap. It is recommended to use a standard footplate two and three millimeter and drill first to remove excessive cortical bone.

Each tumor is its own unique type, although surgeons will have a good idea, they must remove a section of the tumor and have its culture tested to confirm the type. Some cancers are more aggressive than others and can require very different techniques for removal. Protecting the healthy tissue of the brain is imperative and our Telfa product serves as an excellent non-stick patty. In addition, surgeons may want an even thinner pad, for those cases we offer the delicot.

Types

Common types of brain tumors include Gliomas, Glioblastomas (By far the most aggressive type), Lymphomas, Pituitary, Skull Base and Spine Tumors. Symptoms can be fairly consistent, headaches, nausea, confusion and sometimes seizures or memory loss. Diagnosis is typically done at a doctor’s appointment, then is confirmed by imaging either by MRI or a CT scan. 

After the surgeon has removed the portion of the skull central to the brain tumor, he will then begin carefully dissecting the dura, to expose the brain. Extreme caution is used to prevent but it is always inevitable there will be bleeding. The ace bipolars with their solid silver alloy tips provide the safest and most effective means to prevent the tissue from sticking while cauterizing. Depending on the location of your tumor, surgeons will take very different approaches.