Glioma Treatment in India
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What is Glioma?
Gliomas are tumour growths of cells that arise in the spinal cord or brain. Glioma cells are similar to glial cells, which are healthy brain cells. Glial cells support and encompass nerve cells in their function.
A glioma becomes a tumour, which is a collection of cells. The tumour growth can compress the brain or spinal cord, causing symptoms. The location of the affected part of the brain or spinal cord determines the symptoms.
There are many kinds of gliomas. Some are not considered to be malignancies and develop slowly, while others are considered to be malignancies. Malignant is another term that means cancerous. Malignant gliomas can invade normal brain tissue and grow very quickly. Some gliomas are more prevalent in adulthood, while others only occur in children.
Types of glioma
The type of glial cells from which gliomas develop determines their classification. The main glioma types are as follows:
Astrocytoma: This originates from astrocytes, which are star-shaped glial cells. They consist of low-grade tumours, which are less malignant, and high-grade tumours, which are more malignant.
Oligodendrogliomas: Oligodendrocytes, the cells that originate oligodendrogliomas, form the myelin sheath that envelops nerve fibres. These tumours tend to develop more slowly.
Ependymomas: The ependymal cells lining the ventricles of the brain and spinal cord lead to ependymomas. Adults and children can develop them.
Glioblastoma (GBM) is among the most vicious and lethal of brain tumours and is a highly malignant and aggressive type of astrocytoma.
What is the Importance of Timely Treatment?
Glioma should be treated as early as possible to enhance outcomes and quality of life. Early management can achieve minimal symptoms, reduced tumour growth, and potentially enhanced effectiveness of chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and surgery. Delaying treatment may make the disease more challenging to manage by increasing pressure in the brain, exacerbating neurological deficits, and enhancing tumour growth. Early treatment may improve the options for personalised treatment, which may strengthen long-term survival.
What are the Common Symptoms of Glioma?
The location of a glioma determines its symptoms. The glioma's size, type, and growth rate may also affect the symptoms.
- Headache, especially one that is most painful in the morning.
- Vomiting, and nausea.
- Confusion or deterioration in brain function, including issues with information comprehension and thought processes.
- Loss of memory.
- Alterations in personality.
- Double vision, blurred vision, or loss of peripheral vision.
- Speech issues.
- Seizures
Causes and Risk Factors of Glioma
Causes
Studies have shown that gliomas and other spinal cord and brain cancers result from DNA alterations. DNA is found in our genes, which dictate how cells divide and grow. If the DNA of our genes mutates, cells can grow uncontrollably.
Your parents can pass down genetic mutations. They can also co-occur while you're alive.
Risk Factors
- Age
- Family history
- Radiation exposure
- Environmental factors
- Weakened immune system
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Latest Research and Technologies in the Treatment of Glioma in India
Recent and future studies in India focus on enhancing the treatment of gliomas with advanced tools and therapies. Radiation, chemotherapy, and surgery are the current options, but newer approaches such as immunotherapy, targeted drugs, and gene therapies are also gaining attention. Personalised medicine focuses on treatments based on tumour genetic profiling and is increasingly being researched in India. New drug delivery technologies and proton therapy are some of the latest technologies that can potentially enhance glioma patients' treatment outcomes.
Treatment options for Glioma
Brain Cancer Treatment: Depending on the type, size, and location of the tumour, glioma is usually treated with a combination of chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgery.
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Surgery: The first step in treating gliomas is typically to remove the tumour. If the glioma is eliminated, surgery may be the only necessary treatment.
Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy medications are used to kill tumour cells. Chemotherapy drugs are usually given intravenously or orally. Chemotherapy may sometimes be given directly to the glioma cells.
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Radiation Therapy: Radiation destroys tumour cells with high-energy beams. The energy source can be protons, X-rays, or something else. After surgery, radiation therapy is often employed to treat gliomas. The radiation kills the leftover glioma cells after surgery. Radiation and chemotherapy are usually combined.
Targeted Therapy: Targeted therapy treatments focus on specific substances in cancer cells. Targeted therapy treatments can kill cancer cells by inhibiting these substances.
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- Neurological Exam: A detailed neurological and physical exam to assess for symptoms like weakness, changes in vision, or coordination difficulty.
- MRI is the most common method of imaging used for glioma detection. It can take detailed brain pictures and determine the size, position, and type of tumours.
- Computed tomography (CT) scans are occasionally substituted for MRIs but are not as detailed.
- Biopsy: A tumour tissue biopsy is taken for laboratory analysis to determine the type and grade of the gliomas.
- PET scans (positron emission tomography) are sometimes combined to assess tumour metabolism and assist with therapy planning.
MediRehab (chain of Rehab centres - Part of MediGence) provides comprehensive rehabilitation services designed to support Glioma patients in India. These services include:
- Physical Therapy: To enhance mobility, strength, and coordination, particularly if the tumour or surgery has impacted motor function.
- Occupational Therapy: Assists patients in recovering the skills to do daily tasks and enhance fine movements, including dressing, eating, and writing.
- Speech Therapy assists in the recovery of speech and swallowing function if the glioma or its treatment has impaired these functions.
- Cognitive Rehabilitation helps patients cope with memory, attention, and other mental processes affected by the tumour or treatment.
- Depending on the situation, your healthcare professional may prescribe medicine to help control your symptoms and support the treatment plan.
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Hospitals for Glioma in India
Batra Hospital
Delhi, India
- More than 35 years of trusted healthcare service
- Multi-specialty tertiary care with over 30 departments
- Comprehensive preventive, diagnostic, and therapeutic care under one roof
- International patient coordination team for seamless overseas care
Marengo Asia Hospitals, Gurugram
Gurgaon, India
- Marengo Asia Hospitals, Gurugram, is a 250-bed multi-speciality tertiary care hospital, formerly known as W Pratiksha Hospital.
- A major medical centre for Delhi NCR and North India, it is situated on Golf Course Extension Road, Sector 56, Gurugram.
- The hospital's NABH and NABL accreditation ensures compliance with international standards for patient care, safety, and quality.
- Provides extensive medical care in more than 21 specialities, including as women's health, neurology, orthopaedics, cardiology, and cancer.
- Advanced robotic-assisted spine surgery tools and neuro-monitoring technology are available at the Marengo Asia International Institute of Neuro & Spine (MAIINS), a Centre of Excellence in Neurosciences.
- Equipped with cutting-edge equipment, such as automated labs, sophisticated imaging, and contemporary operating rooms.
- Features specialised ICUs, NICUs, and modular OTs built for complex and minimally invasive procedures.
Jaslok Hospital & Research Center
Mumbai, India
- Jaslok Hospital & Research Centre, Mumbai, is a 350-bed super-speciality tertiary care hospital, established in 1973 and among India’s most respected private trust hospitals.
- Located on Peddar Road in South Mumbai, overlooking the Arabian Sea, it serves as a major referral centre for Mumbai, Maharashtra, and patients from across India and abroad.
- The hospital offers comprehensive care across 50+ specialities and nearly 20 multidisciplinary speciality clinics, addressing complex and advanced medical conditions.
- Supported by 300+ senior consultants and 200 resident doctors, ensuring high standards of expertise and round-the-clock patient care.
- Equipped with 75 ICU beds, advanced critical care units, modular operation theatres, and state-of-the-art diagnostic and imaging facilities.
- Recognised as a leading centre of excellence in Critical Care, Cardiac Sciences, Neurosciences, Oncosciences, Renal Sciences, Gastroenterology, and Assisted Reproduction.
- A prominent research and academic institution, conducting clinical trials and recognised by the National Board of Examinations (NBE) in 22 specialities.
- Strong emphasis on quality, patient safety, and evidence-based care, with continuous monitoring of clinical and operational outcomes to meet international healthcare standards.
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Why Choose India for Glioma Treatment?
India's advanced medical technology, well-trained medical professionals, and low-cost care make it an attractive destination for glioma treatment. Compared to most Western countries, patients are provided top-notch care at a fraction of the price due to access to cutting-edge treatments such as proton therapy, targeted therapies, and trained neurosurgeons. In world-class hospitals with shorter waiting times, Glioma patients would benefit from India's holistic care, including surgery, radiation, and rehabilitation.
Frequently Asked Questions
The following are the main differences between high-grade and low-grade gliomas:
- Low-gradegliomas, typically grade I or II, are less aggressive, grow more slowly, and have a better prognosis.
- High-grade gliomas, like glioblastoma, are often graded as grade III or IV because they are more malignant and develop rapidly.
Surgery is usually advised in India for glioma, but it is not always necessary in all cases. Surgery is decided based on various factors, such as the tumour's type, size, and location and the patient's general health.
Gliomas may recur after treatment. Recurrence depends on several factors, such as the location, grade, and type of the glioma. Due to their aggressive nature, glioblastoma and other high-grade gliomas are more likely to recur. Despite successful initial treatment, glioma cells might remain in the brain, which may result in the tumour's recurrence.
Survival in glioma depends on the location, grade, and type of tumour. The prognosis for low-grade gliomas is generally favourable, with 5-year survival ranging from 60% to 80%. Glioblastoma and high-grade gliomas, however, have an inferior prognosis with a median survival of 12 to 18 months and a 5-year survival of around 5% to 10%. While outcomes can be optimised with early detection and treatment, survival remains unpredictable.
The following lifestyle modifications can help in the management of glioma symptoms:
- Regular, moderate exercise can enhance strength, decrease fatigue, and increase general well-being.
- A well-balanced diet containing plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can improve overall well-being, enhance energy levels, and boost the immune system.
- The relaxation skills of meditation, deep breathing, or yoga can be used to minimise stress and anxiety.
- Resting properly and getting quality sleep assists in managing tiredness and facilitating the body's healing process.
- Prescribed pain medications and complementary therapies like massage or acupuncture can help control discomfort.
- Participation in cognitive therapy or support groups can treat cognitive problems and offer emotional support throughout treatment.