Brain Tumor Treatment Without Surgery: Options You Should Know

Non-surgical brain tumor treatment options

Here are some of the non-surgical treatment options for brain tumor cases, including:

Radiation therapy

Radiation therapy is one of the most commonly used non-surgical treatments used for brain tumor cases. These treatments work by using high-energy beams to damage brain tumor cells and prevent further growth and dividing.

Types of radiation therapy include:

• External beam radiation therapy (EBRT)
• Stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS)

Radiation therapy may often be used alone or combined with other treatments, mainly depending on the tumor’s characteristics. 

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy is an effective cancer treatment which uses powerful drugs to destroy or slow the growth of tumor cells. These medications can be delivered orally or administered through intravenous (IV) lines.

Chemotherapy recommended for:

• Malignant or fast growing tumors
• Tumors that responds well to specific drugs
• Patients who cannot undergo surgery

Some chemotherapy drugs are designed to cross the blood-brain barriers, allowing them to reach tumor cells more effectively. Side effects might vary depending on the drug and its dosage. Meanwhile, doctors carefully monitor patients to manage the side effects. 

Targeted therapy

Targeted therapy represents a more precise treatment approach, instead of attacking all rapidly growing cancer cells, targeted therapies mainly focus on specific molecules or genetic changes that drive tumour growth.

• Benefits of targeted therapy include:
• Reduced damage to healthy brain tissue
• Potentially less side effects than chemotherapy
• Personalised treatment based on genetics

This treatment option is usually available after advanced testing identifies certain markers in the tumor cells. 

Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy helps the body’s immune system to recognize and fight tumor cells, while still under active cancer research for many brain tumours, this has shown promise in selected areas.

Common immunotherapy approaches include:

• Immune checkpoint inhibitors
• Cancer vaccines (often part of clinical trials)

Immunotherapy may be recommended when standard cancer treatments are not effective or as part of cancer research studies exploring new options. 

Tumor treating fields (TTF)

Tumor treating fields are a non-invasive cancer treatment that uses low-intensity electrical fields to disrupt tumor cell division. These therapies are often delivered through wearable devices placed on the scalp.

Key features of TTF include:

• No surgery or radiation involved
• These treatments can be used along side of chemotherapy
• Designed for continuous treatment overtime

TTF has been approved for certain types of brain tumors and is considered as an effective treatment option for long-term treatment management.

Medicines for symptom management

These cancer medicines do not directly treat the brain tumor, they play a crucial role in improving the quality of life.

Common supportive medicine include:

• Corticosteroids to reduce brain swelling
• Anti- seizure medications to prevent seizure
• Pain relievers to manage discomfort
• Anti- nausea drugs to ease treatment side effects

Symptom management is often an essential part of non-surgical care, especially for patients undergoing long-term cancer treatment.

The importance of Personalized Care

Every brain tumor type is different and unique; there are factors such as tumor biology, patient’s lifestyle, overall emotional well-being, and long-term treatment goals that influence the treatment decisions. It's significant to understand that what works for one brain tumor patient may not be suitable for another case. 

It's important to have open communication with specialist neurologists, oncologists, and other specialists. It is essential to understand the risks, benefits, and treatment outcome expectations as well.