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
Apollo Hospitals Bannerghatta
Bangalore, India
Apollo Hospitals Bannerghatta located in Bengaluru, India is accredited by JCI, NABH. Also listed below are some of the most prominent infrastructural details:
- Bed Capacity is 250
- Largest and most sophisticated sleep laboratory in the world
- Technological powerhouse with latest equipments
- 120 slice CT angiogram
- 3 Tesla MRI
- Low energy & High energy Linear Accelerators
- Navigation System in surgical procedures
- 4-D Ultrasound for 4 dimensional sonography
- Digital Fluoroscopy
- Gamma Camera
- Stereotactic Robotic Radio- surgery
- Autologous Bone Marrow Transplantation
- Robotic assisted surgeries
- Thallium Laser-First in India
- Holmium Laser-First in South India
- Digital X-Ray-First in Karnataka
- 100 plus consultants
- Uses Y shaped stent for tracheoesophageal fistula
- Four autologous chondrocyte implantations procedure is performed and several more like Spinal angiolipoma excision, Tibial tuberosity shift with MPSL reconstruction
- Biggest series of airway stents in India
- The Minimal Access Surgery Centre (MASC) centre of excellence
HCG Kalinga Rao Road
Bangalore, India
HCG Kalinga Rao Road located in Bengaluru, India is accredited by NABH, NABL. Also listed below are some of the most prominent infrastructural details:
- Diagnostic facility equipped with state-of-the-art imaging technologies, such as 3T MRI, SPECT, PET-CT
- Specialty laboratories provide state-of-the-art diagnostic facilities with expertise in oncology testing
- The services provided under medical oncology include Haemato oncology, Pediatric oncology, Breast health, Preventive oncology, Daycare chemotherapy
- Radiation oncology department adopts advanced technologies like CyberKnife Robotic Radiosurgery, TomoTherapy-H, Da Vinci, which allows cancer to be targeted with high accuracy
- First Cancer Centre in India to introduce PET-CT technologies and Cyclotron
- Consists of several beds and OTs with the latest equipment that meet high standards of sterility, and also comply with all international standards on operation theatre designs
- Access to the latest technology like Linear Accelerator which allows the tumor to be treated with pinpoint accuracy
- Equipped with Agility-Synergy linear accelerator, which allows accurate, image-guided radiotherapy to be provided safely and in a short time.
- Have a unique facility that has BMT suites and a unique hemato-pathology lab. Conditions like Multiple Myeloma, Immune Deficiency Disorders, Leukaemia, Lymphomas, Aplastic Anaemia, Childhood Leukaemia, and certain Pediatric Cancers can be treated with Bone Marrow Transplants at the unit.
- Ortho-Oncology clinic to be the first-of-its-kind in Bangalore, offering dedicated care for Musculoskeletal tumors
- Round-the-clock extensive patient service helping diagnose cancer
- Automated Breast Volume Scanner is the latest technology used for breast cancer detection
- RTISTE linear accelerator used for various treatment approaches, including 3D conformal radiation therapy, Stereotactic
- Radiosurgery (SRS), Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT), and Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy
Sarvodaya Hospital and Research Centre
Faridabad, India
Sarvodaya Hospital and Research Centre located in Faridabad, India is accredited by NABH, NABL. Also listed below are some of the most prominent infrastructural details:
- Sarvodaya Hospital has a 500 bed capacity which is inclusive of 65 ICU beds.
- A dedicated dialysis unit for people with kidney conditions.
- The hospital has a cancer center which makes cancer treatment a seamless process.
- There is an upcoming oncology center in Sarvodaya Hospital Faridabad.
- Technologies such as 128 Slice CT scan, 500 MA X-Ray, 1.5 Tesla MRI and Mammography facility.
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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.