Brain Tumor Treatment in Gurgaon India

Brain (or central nervous system [CNS]) cancers/tumors account for about 1.4% of all cancer cases and about 2.8% of all cancer-related deaths in the United States (US). Brain and other CNS cancers affect both children and adults but the highest incidence is observed in individuals aged between 55 and 64 years with the median age at diagnosis of 58 years. The overall incidence rate of brain and other CNS cancers has been decreasing in the last decade. The mortality rate of brain and other CNS cancers has also declined during the last decade, mainly due to the progress in the understanding of the disease and development of the effective treatment.

The brain and spinal cord constitute the CNS, the system that complements the senses to perform their functions, control/manage the activity of other systems, build memory, govern the behavior, and perform many other vital functions. The brain is protected by the skull and the spinal cord is protected by the vertebral column. The brain and spinal cord are covered by 2 membranes known as meninges. The space between the 2 meninges and hollow space within the brain (the ventricles) and spinal cord is filled with a liquid known as cerebrospinal fluid. The brain has the following 3 major parts: 

1) Cerebrum, the largest hemispherical part made-up of 2 halves, responsible for voluntary muscle movements, thought, emotion, memory, thinking, reasoning, and interpretation of sensory signals from the sensory organs; 

2) Cerebellum, present below the cerebrum in the posterior fossa and help in maintaining balance and coordination in body movements; and 

3) Brainstem, connects the brain to the spinal cord and have various centers for controlling vital functions like breathing, heartbeat, swallowing, gastric reflux, and others. There are 12 cranial nerves that connect different body parts with the brain via brain stem and without the involvement of the spinal cord. 

The spinal cord consists of long nerve fibers that control the function of bowel, bladder, and muscles in the limbs.

What are the Types of Brain Tumor?

Based on the type of cells affected, following are the major types of primary CNS cancers/tumors:

Glioma

This type of tumors arises from the glial cells, the neuron supporting cells, are known as gliomas. There are 3 types of glial cells and consequently 3 types of tumors arising from them as described below:

Astrocytoma

As the name indicates, these arise from the astrocytes, the supporting cells for neurons. The astrocytes form a scar tissue in response to an injury to the brain and helps in repairing the damage. Astrocytomas account for about 20% of all CNS cancers/tumors. They frequently involve nearby brain tissue and rarely spread outside of the CNS. Pilocytic astrocytoma, subependymal giant cell astrocytomas (SEGAs), diffuse astrocytomas, pleomorphic xanthoastrocytomas (PXAs), and Optic gliomas are some less aggressive forms of astrocytomas. Anaplastic astrocytoma and glioblastoma are aggressive forms of astrocytoma, which may develop from the less aggressive forms (especially the diffuse astrocytoma) or de novo. 

Oligodendroglioma

These arise from the oligodendrocytes, the supporting cells that synthesize a fatty substance known as myelin. The myelin covers and insulates the axons and helps in faster signal transmission. The aggressive form is known as anaplastic oligodendroglioma. Oligodendrogliomas account for about 2% of all CNS cancers/tumors.  

Ependymoma

Brain Tumor in gurgaon: These arise from the ependymal cells, the cells that line the ventricles and secrete CSF. Ependymoma does not usually involves nearby brain tissue and generally spreads via CSF. Ependymoma may sometimes lead to hydrocephalus, a condition characterized by the ventricle’s enlargement due to blockage in the CSF flow. The aggressive form is known as anaplastic ependymoma. They account for about 2% of all CNS cancers/tumors.

Meningioma

It arises from the meninges, the membranes that cover the brain and consist of the CSF within the space between them (the subarachnoid space). Meningioma accounts for about 30% of all CNS cancers/tumors and is the most common brain tumor in adults. Although, the benign form is mostly observed, meningioma may occur as aggressive form (anaplastic or malignant) that tends to grow and spread quickly and frequently involve nearby brain tissue or bones.

Embryonal Tumor

These tumors arise from the neuroectodermal cells. Medulloblastoma is the most common type of embryonal tumor that arises in the cerebellum. These  generally involve nearby brain tissue and can spread very quickly via CSF route. They are generally aggressive and very hard to treat. They were referred to as primitive neuroectodermal tumors (PNETs) in the past. They are generally observed in children and very rare in adults. They account for about 2% of all CNS tumors.

Mixed glial and neuronal tumor

These tumors involve both glial cells and neurons. They are generally benign and easy to treat compared to other brain tumors. Examples of such tumors include dysembryoplastic neuroepithelial tumors (DNETs) and ganglioglioma. Gangliogliomas are more common in children than adults.

Germ Cell Tumor

Brain tumor cancer doctor in gurgaon: As the name indicate, these tumors arise from the germ cells in the brain. The germ cells are normally present in the egg cells in women and sperm cells in men. However, in some individuals, these may be present at certain locations within the brain (most common include pineal gland or above the pituitary gland) and give rise to germ cell tumors. Germinoma, choriocarcinoma, embryonal carcinoma, teratoma, and yolk sac tumor are examples of germ cells tumors. These tumors are generally seen in children and are rare in adults. They can sometimes be diagnosed with the help of tumor markers present in the CSF.

Schwannoma

Schwannomas or neurilemmomas are the type of CNS tumors that arise from the Schwann cells surrounding the cranial or spinal nerves. They account for about 8% of all CNS cancers/tumors. They are generally benign but can cause a symptoms related to the nerve affected. For example, if they affect cranial nerve responsible for hearing, they can cause loss of hearing. 

Craniopharyngioma

These tumors are believed to arise from the epithelial cells at the junction of the infundibular stalk and the pituitary gland (residual cells of the Rathke pouch). They are generally slow-growing and are mostly associated with a proteinaceous fluid-filled cyst. Both tumor and cyst can press on the nearby structure causing symptoms. The pituitary gland and the optic nerve are mostly involved, and thus, these tumors are frequently associated with hormonal imbalance and vision problems. These are more common in children than adults. 

Chordoma and Chondrosarcoma

These arise from the bones at the base of the skull or at the lower end of the spine. They are usually slow-growing but can grow in nearby soft tissues and can exert pressure on the nervous tissue. These tumors have a high recurrence rate.

Primary CNS Non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHLs)

The primary CNS NHL generally originates from the B-cells and is generally aggressive. It frequently invades nearby brain tissue and usually presents as a multifocal disease. It is mostly observed in immunocompromised individuals, such as those with an organ transplantation or patients with AIDS and accounts for about 3% of all CNS cancers/tumors. 

Pituitary Tumor

Almost all pituitary tumors are glandular and known as pituitary adenomas. These mostly start in the anterior lobe of the pituitary gland and are mostly benign. They can cause hormonal imbalance (hyper- or hyposecretion of anterior pituitary hormones) or can sometimes press on nearbystructures (such as optic chiasm) and cause symptoms. They account for about 10% to 15% of all CNS cancers/tumors. Pituitary adenomas are further classified as functional and non-functional tumors based on their ability to secrete hormones.

Hemangioblastoma

These tumors mostly arise in the cerebellum and may occur in some other locations like the brain stem, spinal cord, or cerebrum. Most cases of hemangioblastomas are associated with von Hippel-Lindau disease, a hereditary syndrome caused by a germline mutation in the VHL gene. The tumors are highly vascular and are usually associated with a fast-growing cyst which is responsible for early symptoms. These tumors mostly affect individuals aged between 30 to 40 years.

Choroid Plexus Tumor

These tumors mainly include choroid plexus papilloma (benign form) and choroid plexus carcinoma (malignant/cancerous form). Choroid plexus carcinoma is mostly associated with Li-Fraumeni syndrome, a hereditary syndrome caused by a germline mutation in the TP53 gene. It is a rare form of CNS tumor and mostly affects children below the age of 12 years. It mostlr occurs in lateral ventricles and may lead to blockage of CSF flow, and thus, hydrocephalus. It generally involves nearby brain tissue and can spread via CSF.

There are some other rare brain tumors not included in above list.

How do I know if I am at risk for Brain Tumor? What are the causes of Brain Tumor?

Different types of CNS cancers/tumors generally have different risk factors along with some common factors that can predispose their development. Following is the list of such risk factors:

Exposure to Radiation

Exposure to radiation is only well-established risk factors for the development of CNS tumor. Individuals with a history of exposure to radiation, for example, for the treatment of other cancers remain at high risk of developing CNS tumors. They generally develop 10 to 15 years after radiation treatment.

Family History

Individuals with a familial cancer syndrome are considered to be at increased risk of developing certain CNS tumors. Following are some examples: 

• Mutation in Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) gene is associated with higher risk of schwannomas, meningiomas, and certain types of gliomas
• Mutation in Neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2) gene is associated with increased risk of vestibular schwannomas (acoustic neuromas), meningiomas, and spinal cord ependymomas
• von Hippel-Lindau disease increases the risk of developing hemangioblastomas and other non-CNS tumors
• Li-Fraumeni syndrome increases the risk of developing gliomas and certain other non-CNS tumors
• Tuberous sclerosis is linked with the development of subependymal giant cell astrocytomas (SEGAs) and some other CNS and non-CNS tumors

Exposure to certain chemicals

Chronic exposure to certain chemicals like petroleum products, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, vinyl chloride, aspartame, insecticides, and herbicides have been reported to elevate the risk of developing certain types of CNS tumors. 

Infections

Risk of developing certain types of CNS tumors is higher in individuals who have a history of infection with certain viruses, like Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) or human cytomegalovirus (hCMV).

Weakened Immune System

Individuals with a weak immune system that may be due to HIV infection, auto-immune disease, or immunosuppressants in patients who have undergone an organ transplant are considered at higher risk of developing primary CNS lymphomas.

Age

Most CNS cancers/tumors types are common among old-age individuals with an exception of a few types that are more common among children.

Gender

Meningiomas and schwannomas are more common in women, while primary CNS lymphomas, gliomas, and medulloblastomas are more common in men.

Ethnicity

Meningiomas are most commonly reported in African Americans while gliomas and medulloblastomas are more common in Caucasians.

What are the Symptoms and Signs of Brain Tumor? How do I know if I have Brain Tumor or not?

Following are some common signs and symptoms of Brain tumors, which may help in early diagnosis if attended appropriately:

• Headache that gets worse over time
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Problem in balance and coordination
• Problem with vision, speech, swallowing, or hearing
• Seizures
• Weakness in body parts
• Drowsiness
• Confusion, mood or behavioral change
• Loss of appetite
• Problem with bowel or bladder

Besides above listed common symptoms, few other systems may appear depending upon the type of CNS cancers/tumors and site of disease.

What are the Tests or Investigations to be done to confirm the diagnosis of Brain Tumor?

If a person is suspected to have CNS tumor due to the signs and symptoms, some investigations are required to confirm the diagnosis of the disease. Further, these investigations help in determining the type of CNS tumor and the extent of disease, which in turn help in selecting an appropriate treatment approach. Following are some commonly used diagnostic tools for CNS tumors:

Imaging Tests

Imaging tests are the mainstay of diagnosis for CNS tumors. These tests help in scanning the CNS and can accurately diagnose the location, size, and shape of the tumor. These tests play important role in defining the extent of disease. They are employed after treatment to evaluate the treatment efficacy and to detect any signs of disease progression/recurrence.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan

Brain tumor cancer surgeon in gurgaon: This technique provides detailed images of internal body structures using radio waves, strong magnetic field, and gadolinium-based contrast material (which is used via intravenous injection to improve the clarity of the MRI images). This is the most widely used technique for the diagnosis of CNS cancers/tumors because it can provide very detailed images of the brain and spinal cord tissue. Some more advanced MRI techniques are frequently used for the diagnosis of CNS cancers/tumors, which provide important information about the disease. Following are such techniques:

• Magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) provides detailed images of the CNS vasculature and is very helpful in planning surgery.
• Magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) provides information about the composition in a particular area and can differentiate between the healthy and diseased tissue. It can further signal the type of defect in the suspected area.
• Magnetic resonance perfusion study can highlight the areas of high perfusion that generally corresponds to a high rate of cell division.
• Functional MRI (fMRI) highlights the slight change in blood flow in a particular part of the brain activated in real time. Thus, this technique is very helpful in mapping tumor-adjacent areas of the brain that are responsible for specific function, such as speech, though, movement, etc. This can be used for preserving important function by an appropriate planning of the indicated treatment (surgery or radiation).

Computed tomography (CT) scan

In this technique, detailed cross-sectional images of body organs are generated using x-rays with contrast agents. This technique can provide images of the CNS tumor. However, it is not primarily employed for the diagnosis of CNS tumors and is reserved for patients who cannot undergo MRI examination, such as those with an implanted pacemaker, metal fragment, paramagnetic surgical clips, extreme obesity, or those who have fear for closed spaces. This technique can sometimes be used to highlight the CNS vasculature by CT angiography. Also, this technique can be used for determining the extent of disease and for planning the treatment in case radiation therapy is indicated for the treatment.

Biopsy analysis

Biopsy samples contain a small number of cells or a tiny piece of tissue collected from the affected area with the help of a biopsy instrument. These samples are generally collected simultaneously with the main surgical procedure or sometimes before the main surgical procedure planned for the treatment of CNS tumor. The collected biopsy sample is then tested in a laboratory and can help in establishing the diagnosis of CNS tumor based on the presence of characteristic cells. These samples provide very useful information about the cancer cells such as the type of cancer, the severity of cancerous changes involved, and the presence of specific defective genes or proteins. 

Lumbar Puncture

In this procedure, a sample of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF, a biological fluid that surrounds the brain and spinal cord) is collected with the help of a needle inserted up to the subarachnoid space around the spinal cord through the lower part (lumbar region) of the spine. The collected sample is then analyzed in a laboratory for the presence of cancer cells (or tumor markers). This is generally employed for the CNS tumors that may spread via CSF or for primary CNS lymphomas. The detection of certain tumor markers in the CSF can establish the diagnosis of germ cell tumors. This technique can also be used to deliver a treatment into the CSF, if required.

What is the Grading and Risk Stratification of Brain Tumors?

World Health Organization (WHO) grading system is the most widely used to describe the severity of CNS tumor based on the appearance of cancer cells under a microscope. This system classifies different CNS cancers/tumors into four grades. Following table describe the characteristics of different grades:

Grade I

The cancer cells look like normal cells. These are typically slow-growing tumors that do not invade nearby brain tissue.

Grade II

The cancer cells look like normal cells. These are slow-growing tumors that can involve nearby brain tissue and can transform to aggressive forms over time.

Grade III

The cancer cells do not look like normal cells. These are fast-growing tumors that can involve nearby brain tissue and require intensive treatment.

Grade IV

The cancer cells do not look like normal cells. These are very aggressive and fast-growing tumors that can involve nearby brain tissue and require most intense treatment.

What is the Treatment for Brain Tumor? Where can I get the best treatment for Brain Tumor in Gurgaon?

The treatment of brain tumor depends on many factors, including but not limited to, the type of tumor, grade of the disease, location, resectability, size, extent of spread, patient’s age, performance status of the patient and the side effects associated with the treatment.

Oncoexperts is a cancer clinic in Gurgaon for treatment for brain tumor from our team of cancer experts that include neuro-oncosurgeons, surgical oncologists, medical oncologists, and radiation oncologists who are experts in treating all types of brain tumors.

Treatment Based on Tumor Type

Following are the preferred treatment approaches for different types of brain tumors, but the final decision is taken after clinical assessment of the patient by an oncologist.  

Astrocytoma

In the case of low-grade astrocytomas (e.g. pilocytic astrocytoma, and SEGA), maximal tumor excision without compromising any neurological function is considered the preferred treatment approach. Post-operative radiation therapy should be considered in high-risk individuals and those with incomplete resection.

For SEGA that can not be removed completely, targeted therapy may be employed to shrink the tumor. In the case of high-grade astrocytomas (e.g. Anaplastic astrocytoma and glioblastoma), maximal tumor excision without compromising on important neurological function is considered as the first-line treatment. Radiotherapy with or without chemotherapy is generally indicated after surgery.

Oligodendroglioma

In the case of oligodendrogliomas, maximal tumor excision without compromising any neurological function is considered the preferred treatment approach. Post-operative radiotherapy and/or chemotherapy may be considered in the case of high-grade disease or incomplete resection.

Ependymoma

In the case of ependymomas, maximal tumor excision without compromising any neurological function is considered the preferred treatment approach. Post-operative radiotherapy should be considered in the case of high-grade disease, incomplete resection, or presence of cancer cells in the CSF a few weeks after surgery.

Meningioma

In the case of low-grade asymptomatic meningiomas (tumor size <3 cm), observation without any treatment is considered as the preferred approach, especially in elderly patients.    

In case of symptomatic meningiomas, maximal tumor excision without compromising any neurological function is considered the preferred treatment approach. Post-operative radiotherapy may be considered in the case of high-grade disease, incomplete resection, or high-risk individuals. Radiotherapy can be employed as the first-line treatment for patients who are not good candidates for surgery.

Embryonal Tumor

In the case of embryonal tumors, maximal tumor excision without compromising any neurological function is considered the preferred treatment approach. Post-operative radiotherapy and chemotherapy may be employed in the case of high-risk individuals (large cell or anaplastic medulloblastoma, supratentorial PNET, disease dissemination, unresectable or residual tumors). 

Mixed Glial and Neuronal Tumor

Maximal tumor excision without compromising any neurological function is considered the preferred treatment approach for these tumors. In the case of a negative resection margin, patients may be observed without any additional therapy. Post-operative radiotherapy should be considered in the case of high-grade disease or incomplete resection.

Germ Cell Tumor

Most germ cell tumors are not amenable to surgical resection due to their invading/spreading nature and non-accessible location. Thus, most germ cell tumors are treated with radiotherapy as the first line treatment. Post-radiation chemotherapy may be employed in the case of large tumors or remaining tumor cells.

Schwannoma

In the case of schwannomas, maximal tumor excision without compromising any neurological function is considered the preferred treatment approach. Postoperative radiotherapy (radiosurgery) should be considered in the case of incomplete resection or where complete resection is not possible.

Craniopharyngioma

In the case of craniopharyngioma, maximal tumor excision without compromising any neurological function is considered the preferred treatment approach. In the case of complete resection, no other treatment is required. However, complete tumor resection is not possible in most cases due to the proximity of the tumor to important structures, like the pituitary gland, hypothalamus, optic nerves, and blood vessels. Thus, postoperative radiotherapy (radiosurgery) is generally employed to kill any remaining tumor cells. 

Chordoma and Chondrosarcoma

In the case of chordomas and chondrosarcomas, maximal tumor excision without compromising any neurological function is considered the preferred treatment approach. In the case of complete resection, no other treatment is required. However, complete tumor resection is not possible in most cases due to the inaccessible tumor location, infiltrative nature of the tumor, and the proximity of the tumor to important structures, like the chiasm or the brainstem. Thus, postoperative radiotherapy (radiosurgery) is generally employed (especially in the case of chondrosarcoma) to kill any remaining tumor cells.

Primary CNS Lymphoma

In the case of primary CNS NHLs, intravenous chemotherapy is considered the first-line treatment. Intrathecal chemotherapy may also be employed in case of the presence of cancer cells in the CSF. Concurrent administration of corticosteroid is usually employed to relieve disease symptoms. Radiotherapy is also a part of chemotherapy regimens, but may be avoided in elderly patients in view of side effects.

Pituitary Tumor

In the case of the functional prolactin-secreting adenoma, drugs that inhibit prolactin secretion (e.g. cabergoline or bromocriptine) are used as the preferred treatment.

In the case of the functional growth hormone (GH)-secreting adenoma, surgical resection of the tumor is the preferred treatment option. Somatostatin analogs (e.g. Octreotide, lanreotide, and pasireotide) are given before surgery to shrink the tumor size. Radiotherapy may be employed if the tumor was not completely removed by surgery.

In the case of functional corticotropin (ACTH)-secreting adenoma, surgical resection of the tumor is the preferred treatment option. Radiotherapy may be employed if the tumor was not completely removed by surgery.

In the case of the thyrotropin (TSH)- secreting adenoma, surgical resection of the tumor is the preferred treatment option. Drugs (e.g. Octreotide, lanreotide, cabergoline, or bromocriptine) are given if the surgery did not reduce the hormonal level. Radiotherapy may be employed if the tumor was not completely removed by surgery.

In the case of the gonadotropin (FSH/LH)- secreting adenoma, surgical resection of the tumor is the preferred treatment option. Radiotherapy may be employed if the tumor was not completely removed by surgery.

In the case of non-functional pituitary adenoma, observation without any treatment is considered as the preferred approach for small (<1 cm in size, and not causing any symptom) tumors. For large tumors pressing on nearby structures, surgical resection of the tumor is the preferred treatment option. Radiotherapy may be employed to kill any residual tumor cells.

Hemangioblastoma

Brain tumor cancer treatment doctor in gurgaon: In the case of hemangioblastomas, maximal tumor excision without compromising any neurological function is considered the preferred treatment approach. Post-operative radiotherapy may be considered in the case of high-grade disease, or incomplete resection. Radiotherapy can be employed as the first-line treatment for patients who are not the good candidates for surgery.

Choroid Plexus Tumor

In the case of choroid plexus papillomas (benign form), maximal tumor excision without compromising any neurological function is considered the preferred treatment approach. Post-operative radiotherapy should be considered in the case of incomplete resection or where complete resection is not possible.

In the case of choroid plexus carcinoma, maximal tumor excision without compromising any neurological function is considered the preferred treatment approach. Post-operative radiotherapy should be considered in the case of high-grade disease, incomplete resection, or high-risk individuals. Radiotherapy can be employed as the first-line treatment for patients who are not the good candidates for surgery. Instead of radiotherapy, chemotherapy may be employed after surgery in infants and young children.

Role of Surgery

Surgery is the treatment of choice for most low-grade and some intermediate-grade brain cancers/tumors that have not spread to distant parts and can be completely removed by a surgical procedure. Apart from the main objective of removing the maximum possible tumor tissue without compromising any neurological function, surgery can also be employed for other purposes, such as for the collection of the biopsy sample from the affected area and to relieve symptoms of a high-grade disease. Craniotomy is the most common surgical procedure employed for the treatment of intracranial tumors. Special instruments are used to cut open a piece of the skull over the tumor and tumor tissue is removed with the help of surgical instruments. Surgical treatment of brain tumors is generally complex and requires intensive planning with imaging studies. 

Role of Radiation Therapy

Radiation therapy (or radiotherapy) uses high-energy x-rays or other high-energy radiations which are directed to the affected area to kill tumor cells. For the treatment of CNS tumor, radiotherapy is generally employed in conjunction with surgery to kill any residual cancer cells for non-resectable tumors, or as palliative therapy to relieve symptoms of an advanced disease. For the treatment of brain tumor, an external beam radiation therapy (EBRT) technique is generally employed. Three-dimensional conformal radiation therapy (3D-CRT), Intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT), Conformal proton beam radiation therapy, and Stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS)/stereotactic radiotherapy (SRT) are some advanced techniques commonly used for the treatment of brain tumor. 

Role of Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy means treatment with anti-cancer drugs that kill or decrease the growth of rapidly-growing cancer cells. Chemotherapeutic drugs have to cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB) before showing their effect on the brain tumor cells. Most conventional drugs cannot cross the BBB, and thus, are not useful for the treatment of brain tumor. Chemotherapy may be employed in combination with radiation therapy or surgery for the management of CNS tumors, especially in the case of aggressive cancer types. Depending upon the type of cancer, single drug or certain combination regimen involving multiple drugs can be used for the treatment of CNS tumors. Many pharmaceutical companies are conducting a number of clinical trials to find out new drugs and drug-combinations with increased efficacy and specificity to target CNS tumor cells. 

Role of Targeted Therapy

Targeted drugs work by targeting a specific gene or protein characteristic of the cancer cells. For example, Bevacizumab is the targeted drug used for the treatment of brain tumors expressing vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) receptors, and Everolimus targets mTOR protein that helps cancer cells to grow. These drugs are employed for the treatment of recurrent or advanced-stage disease when other treatment options cannot be used or are not effective. 

Where can I find the best specialists for Brain Tumor treatment in Gurgaon?

Dr Sunny Garg is a renowned Medical Oncologist in Gurgaon with an experience of more than 10 years of treating brain tumor patients. He has treated brain tumor patients with Chemotherapy and Personalized Cancer Treatment. He is currently practicing at Sanar International Hospital, Golf Course Road, Gurgaon.

Call or whatsapp +91 9686813020 for appointment.