Rising Brain Tumour Cases in India: What’s Next for Treatment and Care?
The treatment of brain tumours has a bright future. The treatment of brain tumours could undergo a revolution thanks to new developments in precision medicine and artificial intelligence.
Since 1982, data from multiple cancer registries has shown an increase in brain tumours in India. Brain tumours rank 14th out of all cancers in India, and their frequency is expected to rise, according to the Global Cancer Observatory 2022 report. The broad availability of imaging methods such as CT and MRI scans, which lead to more diagnoses and reports, is one of the main causes of this development. People of all ages can get brain tumours, and the incidence is almost the same for men and women.
Brain tumours fall into one of two categories: malignant (cancerous) or benign (non-cancerous). Benign tumours are more prevalent and frequently result in full recovery and cure. Malignant tumours, on the other hand, may not be curable, although there are sophisticated treatment alternatives that can result in extended periods of disease-free living.
1. Advanced Treatment Options
- Immunotherapy:
This approach leverages the body’s immune system to combat brain tumors. It includes checkpoint inhibitors to boost immune responses and CAR-T cell therapy, where a patient’s T cells are genetically engineered to recognize and destroy tumor cells. - Precision Medicine:
By analyzing the molecular and genetic profile of brain tumors, doctors can identify specific mutations and create personalized treatment strategies, including the use of targeted therapies. - Minimally Invasive Surgery:
Techniques such as robotic-assisted and other minimally invasive surgeries help minimize damage to healthy brain tissue, leading to quicker recovery times and shorter hospital stays. - Targeted Drug Therapy:
Drugs that focus on specific genetic abnormalities or proteins involved in tumor growth provide a more precise and often less toxic alternative to traditional chemotherapy. - Enhanced Imaging Techniques:
Advanced imaging technologies, often supported by AI, are improving the accuracy of tumor detection, characterization, and the monitoring of treatment effectiveness.
2. Research and Innovation
- Biomarker Discovery:
Ongoing research into biomarkers is enhancing the ability to diagnose brain tumors, assess prognosis, and predict how well patients will respond to treatments. - Oncolytic Virus Therapy:
This innovative approach uses viruses that selectively infect and kill tumor cells, while leaving healthy brain cells unharmed. - Blood-Brain Barrier Disruption:
New techniques are being explored to temporarily open the blood-brain barrier, allowing chemotherapy drugs to more effectively reach brain tumors. - Clinical Trials:
Clinical trials are essential for evaluating new treatments and improving existing ones, offering patients access to cutting-edge therapies.
3. Enhanced Patient Care
- Early Detection:
Promoting awareness and improving early diagnosis are key to achieving better treatment outcomes. - Palliative Care:
For patients where a cure is not possible, palliative care focuses on relieving symptoms and improving quality of life for both patients and their families. - Mental Health Support:
Comprehensive care includes mental health services to help patients and their families cope with the emotional impact of a brain tumor diagnosis. - Support for Caregivers:
Acknowledging and addressing the needs of caregivers is critical, as they play a central role in the patient’s support system.
4. Overcoming Challenges
- Access to Care:
Efforts must be made to ensure all patients—regardless of their socioeconomic status or location—can access advanced treatments and quality care. - Affordability:
Reducing the financial burden of treatment is essential to make brain tumor care accessible to a broader population. - Public Awareness:
Educating the public about brain tumors, their symptoms, and available treatments can lead to earlier diagnosis and more timely care.
By advancing these focus areas, India can significantly enhance the diagnosis, treatment, and overall care of brain tumor patients, ultimately improving outcomes and quality of life for those affected.
