Published: Nov 01, 2022
Updated: Mar 01, 2026

After you have received a diagnosis of a brain tumor, the next course of action would be to find the most suitable treatment for yourself. Most patients think that surgery is the only treatment for cancer. But, you will be surprised to know that due to the advancement in medical science, many novel treatment options have also emerged. Letâs delve deeper into treatments for brain tumors.
There are several factors that can influence the treatment of brain tumors. These include
If the tumor is low grade then brain tumor surgery may be enough to remove the tumor completely. However, if the tumor is located in a vital area then the neurosurgeon may not be able to perform surgery. Likewise, the blood-brain barrier may keep out most of the chemotherapy drugs. Thus, a doctor has to evaluate several factors while deciding on a treatment plan.
Here, we have discussed some of the treatments for brain tumor
Surgery
Brain tumor surgery is commonly used to remove the tumor. In fact, it may be the only treatment required for a low-grade brain tumor. The neurosurgeon will perform the operation by creating an opening in the skull. This procedure is called a craniotomy. The surgeon tries to remove the entire tumor whenever possible. However, the tumor will be partially removed if it is located in a vital region of the brain that can potentially be damaged during surgery. Removing the tumor can help in improving neurological symptoms and the prognosis of a brain tumor patient.
Radiation Therapy
This treatment strategy uses high-energy X-rays and other particles to eliminate tumor cells. Radiation therapy can be given after surgery to kill the cancer cells that may have persisted. It can also be given along with other treatments like chemotherapy. The radiation therapy could be external wherein the source of radiation is a large machine or an implant radiation therapy where the radioactive source is directly placed in the tumor. Generally, a radiation oncologist performs this kind of treatment.
Proton Therapy
This is another type of radiation therapy that uses protons instead of X-rays to kill cancer cells. Proton therapy has been used to treat brain tumors, especially in children. It is less harmful than the usual radiation therapy as it causes less damage to the nearby healthy tissues and specifically targets the tumor. Since it causes fewer side effects, it can be given at a higher dose.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy for brain tumors involves using drugs to kill cancer cells. The drugs are given orally or they can be injected into a muscle or bloodstream. Usually, chemotherapy is given in cycles. The doctor may also advise intrathecal chemotherapy, in which drugs are directly injected into the cerebrospinal fluid.
Targeted Therapy
Since chemotherapy can affect normal cells, targeted therapy may be given as an alternative. In this, the drugs are designed to specifically target the tumor's proteins, genes, or environment. This stops the growth of tumor cells without damaging healthy cells.
For providing the best treatment for brain tumors, a multidisciplinary team will be arranged for the patient. This consists of qualified neuro-oncologists, oncology nurses, physician assistants, counselors, and rehabilitation experts so that the patient receives the best care possible both during and after brain tumor treatment.
Though several options exist, it may be difficult to decide on a treatment. The decision may be complicated by anxiety, confusion, hurry, and uncertainty. However, the decision to undergo a particular treatment is a personal choice, and you should be completely comfortable with it.
Here are some tips that can help you make a decision about your brain tumor treatment
Getting the right treatment at the right time can save the lives of many brain tumor patients. If you feel that your area lacks adequate treatment for a brain tumor, you can even pursue treatment in another country.
Whatever may be the case, it is important that you do your research well and ask your doctor about all possible treatments.
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Dr. Shagufta Parveen is a medical and scientific content writer with expertise in clinical pharmacology and pharmacotherapeutics. She holds a B.Pharm and Doctor of Pharmacy (Post-Baccalaureate) degree from Teerthanker Mahaveer University, Moradabad. During her clinical stint at BLK-Max Super Speciality Hospital and Indraprastha Apollo Hospital, she gained hands-on experience in the Clinical Pharmacology Department. Combining scientific knowledge with strong medical writing skills, Dr. Shagufta develops evidence-based healthcare content, treatment guides, and patient education resources. Her work focuses on simplifying complex medical concepts while maintaining scientific accuracy, helping readers better understand healthcare advancements and treatment options.

Dr. Vishwas Kaushik, an accomplished Belgorod State University graduate with an MBBS, is known for his impactful contributions to healthcare. Driven by a passion for global well-being, he seamlessly led domestic operations at VMV Group of Companies and orchestrated success at Clear Medi Cancer Centre. His adept team management and operational skills have positioned him as a luminary in healthcare tourism, shaping a future where compassionate, world-class medical care knows no boundaries.





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