<p>Recurrent brain tumor is a matter of concern in cancer treatment. Lack of knowledge of molecular nature of tumors makes this area complicated while treating and saving patients.<br /><br /></p>.<p>“The exact molecular behaviour of tumor is not known. Certain tumors grow fast, while others don’t. <br /><br />“We are never sure whether the slow growth of tumor is because of therapy or the nature of tumor itself,” said Dr Rahul Gupta, associate professor of neurosurgery, GB Pant Hospital.<br /><br />“Glioma brain tumor is one of the most fatal. The patient dies soon after it recurs. There is a lot of research in this field but the results are not satisfactory yet,” said Gupta at a continuing medical education symposium on Sunday.<br /><br />Neurosurgeons, radio oncologists and other doctors involved in cancer treatment discussed the management of recurrent brain tumor.<br /><br />“The conference brought experts from various fields together. Understanding new techniques of other’s areas helps in referring a patient to the correct person for right treatment,” said Dr Gupta.<br /><br />In tumors like glioblastoma, which is the most common and most aggressive malignant brain tumor, the recurrence rate is nearly 90 per cent within three years.<br />In benign tumors, on the other hand, the recurrence rate is only 10 per cent if treated well.<br /><br />Regular check up<br /><br />Experts at the conference said regular follow-up checks are needed to reduce a patient’s death due to recurring cancer.<br /><br />“It is difficult to predict if a patient’s tumor may recur even after it has been completely cured. <br /><br />“While treating tumor through radiation or chemotherapy, it either disappears or reaches a state where the tumor cells cease to multiply,” said Dr I C Premsagar, senior consultant of neurosurgery, Action Cancer Hospital, which organised the event.<br /><br />Temporary relief<br /><br />“But this state can be permanent or temporary. The onus lies with us to make sure that the patient undergoes regular follow-up treatment, which usually includes MRI imaging,” said Dr Premsagar.<br /><br />He said patients must maintain a good diet to improve the body’s resistance.<br />“Physiotherapy is also essential, which can help in reducing the risk of recurrence of brain tumors,” he added.</p>
<p>Recurrent brain tumor is a matter of concern in cancer treatment. Lack of knowledge of molecular nature of tumors makes this area complicated while treating and saving patients.<br /><br /></p>.<p>“The exact molecular behaviour of tumor is not known. Certain tumors grow fast, while others don’t. <br /><br />“We are never sure whether the slow growth of tumor is because of therapy or the nature of tumor itself,” said Dr Rahul Gupta, associate professor of neurosurgery, GB Pant Hospital.<br /><br />“Glioma brain tumor is one of the most fatal. The patient dies soon after it recurs. There is a lot of research in this field but the results are not satisfactory yet,” said Gupta at a continuing medical education symposium on Sunday.<br /><br />Neurosurgeons, radio oncologists and other doctors involved in cancer treatment discussed the management of recurrent brain tumor.<br /><br />“The conference brought experts from various fields together. Understanding new techniques of other’s areas helps in referring a patient to the correct person for right treatment,” said Dr Gupta.<br /><br />In tumors like glioblastoma, which is the most common and most aggressive malignant brain tumor, the recurrence rate is nearly 90 per cent within three years.<br />In benign tumors, on the other hand, the recurrence rate is only 10 per cent if treated well.<br /><br />Regular check up<br /><br />Experts at the conference said regular follow-up checks are needed to reduce a patient’s death due to recurring cancer.<br /><br />“It is difficult to predict if a patient’s tumor may recur even after it has been completely cured. <br /><br />“While treating tumor through radiation or chemotherapy, it either disappears or reaches a state where the tumor cells cease to multiply,” said Dr I C Premsagar, senior consultant of neurosurgery, Action Cancer Hospital, which organised the event.<br /><br />Temporary relief<br /><br />“But this state can be permanent or temporary. The onus lies with us to make sure that the patient undergoes regular follow-up treatment, which usually includes MRI imaging,” said Dr Premsagar.<br /><br />He said patients must maintain a good diet to improve the body’s resistance.<br />“Physiotherapy is also essential, which can help in reducing the risk of recurrence of brain tumors,” he added.</p>
