Treatment for brain tumors is evolving quickly thanks to developments in imaging, neurosurgery, radiation therapy, and targeted medications, which enable medical professionals to diagnose patients earlier, treat them more accurately, and customize care based on the biology of the tumor.

Experts emphasize on World Brain Tumor Day that brain tumors are not a single illness and that the type, grade, location, molecular profile, and prompt diagnosis of the tumor all affect its prognosis. The shift towards precision-led care is reflected in developments like the INDIGO trial on vorasidenib, which decreased the risk of disease progression or death by 65% in certain low-grade gliomas with IDH mutations. This emphasizes the importance of early detection and expert evaluation.

Dr. Amitendu Sekhar, Consultant, Neurosurgery, HCG Cancer Centre, Kolkata, claims that while surgery has become more precise and function-sensitive, high-resolution MRI has enhanced early detection. “We can operate with greater precision while protecting critical brain functions thanks to technologies like neuro-navigation, intra-operative brain monitoring using EEG and evoked potentials, and advanced microscopes and endoscopes,” said Dr. Sekhar.

Additionally, medical oncology is becoming more and more important, particularly with targeted therapy and molecular profiling. According to Dr. Sanchayan Mandal, Consultant, Medical Oncology, HCG Cancer Centre, Kolkata, “Newer targeted therapies can block specific molecular pathways responsible for tumor growth, while oral chemotherapy is used along with radiation in certain brain tumors. Next-generation sequencing and thorough genomic profiling can help find actionable mutations and direct more individualized treatment in cases that have relapsed”.

Additionally, radiation therapy has improved. “We can track the tumor’s location more precisely and lower the chance of missing the target with image-guided radiation therapy and real-time tumor tracking. Modern radiation therapy can also treat selected benign brain tumours, not just malignant ones, with focused precision. For small tumours, stereotactic radiosurgery or stereotactic radiotherapy allows very high-dose radiation to be delivered in one or a few sittings with high precision,” said Dr. Abhijit Das, Senior Consultant, Radiation Oncology, HCG Cancer Centre, Kolkata.

Doctors emphasize that awareness should promote prompt action rather than cause panic. There may be several reasons for persistent headaches, vomiting, abrupt changes in vision, lightheadedness, ringing in the ears, or loss of taste and smell, but when they are uncommon or persistent, they should be treated by a doctor.

Priyanka Dutta