Brain Cancer Treatment

Brain cancer refers to malignant tumors occurring in brain tissue or related structures, which may originate in the brain or be metastases from other cancers. High-risk groups include children, young adults, and the elderly, with glioblastoma being the most common highly malignant brain tumor. Brain cancer treatment demands precision and multidisciplinary collaboration. Without timely intervention, tumors may compress or destroy critical brain regions, leading to paralysis, seizures, or even life-threatening conditions. Early intervention is therefore essential.

Emerging Treatment Methods

Immune Reconstruction Cell Therapy

Immune reconstruction cell therapy is an advanced treatment that uses autologous or allogeneic immune cells to rebuild immune system function, precisely identify, and eliminate brain cancer cells. While sparing normal brain tissue, it specifically targets tumors, reduces postoperative recurrence rates, and extends survival. This therapy offers hope particularly for patients with residual tumors after surgery or those unsuitable for surgical removal.

① Promotes tumor recognition and clearance: Activates T cells or natural killer cells to enhance the immune system’s tumor recognition efficiency.

② Reduces recurrence risk: Eliminates potential cancer cells in blood or cerebrospinal fluid, preventing relapse or metastasis.

③ Personalized treatment pathways: Customized treatment strategies are developed through cell preparation and genetic screening.

④ Synergistic with traditional therapies: Combined with radiotherapy and chemotherapy, it forms synergistic effects to improve overall outcomes.

In practice, patients undergoing surgery, radiotherapy, or chemotherapy often face immune dysfunction, higher infection risk, and slow recovery. To help patients tolerate treatment and improve quality of life, phased immune reconstruction programs must be scientifically developed for different treatment cycles.

● Short-term plan: Rapidly enhance immunity through immune cell reinfusion to strengthen anti-tumor treatment effects.

● Mid-term plan: Reduce side effects of conventional treatments, promote recovery, and ensure completion of standardized therapy.

● Long-term plan: Comprehensive enhancement of immunity through immune cell reconstruction, gut immunity restoration, elemental immunity rebuilding, and immune nutrition support, thereby improving quality of life and extending survival.

Conventional Treatment Methods

1. Surgical Resection

Surgery is the first choice for brain cancer treatment, especially when the tumor is located in non-functional areas, of moderate size, and has clear boundaries. Modern minimally invasive technologies such as neuronavigation systems, intraoperative MRI, and neurophysiological monitoring make surgery safer while preserving normal brain functions. When complete resection is not possible, debulking surgery may relieve intracranial pressure and facilitate subsequent therapies.

2. Radiotherapy

Radiotherapy is often used postoperatively for consolidation or as the primary treatment in inoperable cases. It includes conventional external beam radiation, Gamma Knife, and proton therapy. Gamma Knife is suitable for small single lesions, providing precise tumor targeting with minimal damage to surrounding tissue. Proton therapy offers higher energy concentration, particularly suitable for children and patients requiring repeated treatments.

3. Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy is mainly applied for high-grade malignant brain tumors such as glioblastoma. Temozolomide (TMZ) is a common oral drug capable of crossing the blood-brain barrier and can synergize with radiotherapy to slow disease progression. To minimize toxicity, some patients may receive targeted delivery or long-term low-dose regimens.

4. Targeted Therapy

For brain cancer patients with specific molecular features such as IDH mutations, EGFR amplification, or MGMT methylation, targeted therapies may be applied. These treatments are highly selective with fewer side effects, suitable for refractory or recurrent cases.

5. Minimally Invasive Neurosurgical Techniques

With the advancement of minimally invasive neurosurgery, endoscopic or stereotactic devices can be used for biopsy, drainage, or tumor resection. These techniques involve small incisions and quick recovery, making them especially suitable for deep-seated tumors or patients with poor physical condition, significantly reducing postoperative complications.

6. Cerebrospinal Fluid Drainage and Symptomatic Support

For brain tumors causing hydrocephalus or increased intracranial pressure, cerebrospinal fluid shunting can relieve symptoms. Supportive medications such as antiepileptic drugs and steroids also play important roles in alleviating symptoms and stabilizing the condition.

7. Combined Treatment Approach

Most brain cancer treatments currently adopt a multimodal approach, combining surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and targeted therapies to delay disease progression and improve quality of life. United Life International Medical Center advocates personalized combination strategies based on patient differences, achieving favorable clinical outcomes.

Conclusion

Brain cancer treatment requires taking advantage of the early therapeutic window and selecting appropriate combinations of therapies. Experts at United Life International Medical Center emphasize that the integration of novel approaches such as immune reconstruction cell therapy offers new hope, advancing brain cancer treatment toward precision and diversification.