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Glioblastoma is one of the most aggressive and common type of brain tumors. Glioblastoma occurs in more than half of patients diagnosed with brain cancer. It can be primary or secondary – when the neoplasm develops from another brain tumor. Men who are 40 or above are more likely to develop glioblastoma.
Treatment of glioblastoma of the brain is conducted in the leading foreign centers of neuro- and radiosurgery. The lifespan of patients depends directly on the type and degree of neoplasm.
Symptomatic cases often makes it possible to detect a disease even at the primary stage of development. Foreign oncologists and neurosurgeons apply the latest technologies for the diagnosis and treatment of glioblastoma.
On the basis of scientific institutes, research is constantly carried out in the field of treatment of glioblastoma of the brain. However, despite the high indices that the scientists were able to achieve, the maximum life expectancy of patients does not exceed 5 years.
READ IN ARTICLE:
Methods of treatment of glioblastoma
New additions in the treatment of glioblastoma
Reviews about the treatment of glioblastoma
METHODS OF TREATMENT OF GLIOBLASTOMA
In order to choose a method for treating glioblastoma for a particular patient, doctor needs to conduct a thorough diagnosis and establish the exact location of the tumor. For these purposes the latest generation MRI 3 Tesla is used in foreign clinics. This apparatus makes it possible to determine not only the localization, but also the exact boundaries of the neoplasm. In some cases, a method of MRI with a contrast agent is used that “highlights” the cancer cells in the image.
Among effective methods for treating glioblastoma of the brain, the following can be distinguished:
- Surgical removal of the tumor. In order to gain access to the affected area of the brain, craniotomy is performed. This is done by opening the cranium and following it up by resection of the cancerous tumor. After removing the formation, the hole is closed with a plastic plate, and sutures are applied. This method is used if the neoplasm has reached a large size. If the tumor is not expanded extensively, endoscopic operations are performed. Surgeon make access through a small hole in the skull and an endoscope with a camera is inserted that transmits the image to the computer screen in real time. This allows the doctor to precisely control the process and minimize risks. Most foreign clinic also do operations using the da Vinci robot to remove the brain tumor. This approach not only reduces operational risks, but also significantly shortens the rehabilitation period.
- Chemotherapy as a method of treatment for glioblastoma is usually used in combination with radiation therapy. The scheme depends on the course of the disease and is developed individually for each patient.
- Radiotherapy in glioblastoma of the brain has advanced quite far in recent years. Modern centers of radiology use the latest generation of equipment, which allows to influence the tumor precisely, without damaging healthy tissues. One of such applications is RapidArc. The device makes it possible to reduce the radiation dose to the surrounding tissue and shorten the duration of the procedure.
- Radiosurgery. For the treatment of glioblastoma, foreign neurosurgeons use the Gamma Knife – it allows to destroy the tumor in one procedure. It does not require invasive intervention and anesthesia.
NEW METHODS OF GLIOBLASTOMA TREATMENT
Gliadel is a new method of treating glioblastoma, which is a capsule containing a chemotherapeutic drug Carmustine. After surgical removal of the tumor, the surgeon places the Gliadel capsule into the cavity. After that, the operating field is sewn. Within few weeks the implant resolves. Its use significantly reduces the likelihood of relapse in the future.
Another innovative method of treating glioblastoma of the brain is NovoTTF-100 apparatus. It generates an electric field that prevents the rapid spread of cancerous cells.
The method is very effective, since glioblastoma is highly progressive type of brain tumor – tumor cells grow very fast. The essence of the method of therapy by an electric field consists of wearing a special cap, inside which electrodes are installed.
This device works on batteries. Usually NovoTTF-100 should be worn for at least 18 hours a day. The effect of the electric field on the tumor is comparable to the effect of traditional chemotherapy. However, in this case the patient does not experience those side effects that accompany the chemotherapy treatment.
Testimonial About Treatment of Glioblastoma
“My husband discovered brain cancer, so called glioblastoma. We were very frightened and did not know where to run. We only knew that we will not trust local doctors the treatment of such a serious illness. The coordinators from MedicGlobus helped – calming us down and told us where and how its best to treat glioblastoma. We were sent to a clinic in Turkey. To say that we saw the medicine of the future will not be wrong. More precisely – this is the future for us, and by far. Everything was sterile, everything was shining! Service is very good – Everywhere there was a personal coordinator and translator with us. My husband did not have to stand in line for a long time or wait for the results of diagnostics for a long time. All done quickly – even with such equipment! We were prescribed an operation, fortunately the trepanation of the skull did not have to be done – the tumor was small. It was excellent, in addition to the operation, we were offered a new method of therapy with the drug Carmustine – it was placed right into the place left after the tumor. Six months passed, my husband feels well, we observe, there are no relapses. I thank the Turkish doctors for their brilliant work! “
