Glioma Treatment in Singapore

What is a 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 growth of the tumour 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

Latest Research and Technologies in the Treatment of Glioma in Singapore

In Singapore, glioma treatment has seen significant progress in recent years, particularly in overcoming the blood-brain barrier, adopting precision medicine, and advancing drug delivery techniques. At NTU Singapore, researchers have developed molecular radio afterglow dynamic probes (MRAPs) that only activate in tumour cells when they encounter low-dose X-rays, thereby protecting healthy tissue while enhancing treatment efficacy. On another front, the Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology at A*STAR has developed a microfluidic system that replicates the blood-brain barrier, which will aid in creating more effective therapies and accelerating the testing of new chemotherapy drugs.