Brain cancer is one of the deadliest forms of cancer, mainly because the brain is such a delicate organ that is difficult to access. Until recently, treatment for brain cancer had been limited to radiation and chemotherapy.

However, better understanding of the brain has led to new breakthroughs that are revolutionizing the way brain cancer is treated. In this article, we will delve into the latest advancements in treating brain cancer.

1. Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy is a type of cancer treatment that helps the immune system fight cancer.

This groundbreaking development works by using the body’s own immune system to target cancer cells, marking them for destruction thus shrinking the tumors and eventually getting rid of them. In other types of cancer, immunotherapy has been approved for certain cancers and has so far been successful in treating them.

Although, brain cancer has been much tougher to overcome with immunotherapy because of the blood-brain barrier that protects the brain. However, recent studies have indicated that this may be a feasible treatment for glioblastoma which is one of the most aggressive forms of brain cancer.

2. Targeted Therapy

The approach of this type of therapy is to target specific genes or proteins that play a role in the growth and development of cancer. This is a new, innovative method that seeks to address itself to cancerous cells instead of the whole body.

For instance, the utilization of nanoparticles to block cancer-causing genes has shown some promise in treating glioblastoma. Alternatively, researchers have also looked at attacking cancer cells’ protein network, rendering them dormant and preventing them from multiplying, which is a strategy that has shown some promise in treating GBM.

3. Glioma Tumor Treatment Fields (TTFs)

Glioma is a common type of brain cancer that occurs due to the glial cells in the brain developing tumors.

One treatment method that has been significant in fighting glioblastoma is the use of alternating electric fields that selectively target only dividing cancerous cells. When combined with chemotherapy, TTF therapy has been seen to statistically improve survival rates significantly for brain cancer patients.

4. Laser Interstitial Thermal Therapy (LITT)

Treating brain cancer has always been a significant challenge due to the brain’s delicate nature and sensitivity, making treatment decisions even harder. Radiation treatments, even though they work, do risk harm to healthy brain tissue.

Laser Interstitial Therapeutic Therapy (LITT) holds promise in destroying cancerous cells while preserving health and functional brain tissue. LITT surgery involves inserting a laser fiber into the brain through a small entry point such that light energy is emitted, producing heat that kills the cancerous cells.

This minimally invasive procedure shows the potential for fewer side effects and shorter recovery times.

5. Oncolytic Virus Therapy

Oncolytic virus therapy is a cancer treatment method that utilizes a particular type of virus that selectively targets cancerous cells, leaving healthy cells unharmed.

This therapy involves introducing the virus into cancerous cells and then reproducing, causing the cancerous cells to rupture and die off. While this therapy is in its early stages of research, it has shown some promise for treating challenging brain tumors.

6. Magnetic Resonance Imaging-Guided Laser Ablation

Magnetic Resonance Imaging-Guided Laser Ablation is used to kill cancer cells using high-intensity lasers. This therapy has multiple benefits, including a less invasive approach, shorter recovery period, and the ability to target specific tumors.

A study conducted by John Hopkins Medicine has said that MR-guided laser ablation increases the overall survival rate for these patients by 2.2 times compared to traditional methods of treatment, such as surgery or chemotherapy.

7. Nanoparticles

Nanoparticles are tiny particles ranging from 1-100 nanometers that show immense promise in treating brain cancer. These particles can be coated with various molecules that suit the need of the researcher.

Their small size makes them ideal for reaching malignant cells, where they can initiate drug delivery and destroy cancerous cells. Researchers are taking advantage of this providing drug delivery systems that make chemotherapy more effective by delivering it to sites where it is required.

8. Innovative Surgery

The idea behind innovative surgery is to remove the maximum amount of tumor visible while still preserving the healthy and functional brain region.

Developing technology has improved visualization equipment that allows for more in-depth tumor removal by illuminating the affected region. For instance, a microscopic fluorescence technique is actively being used to help in identifying the tumor borders, hence ensuring that most of the disease is out.

This enablement has vastly improved patient outcomes after surgery in most brain cancer cases.

9. Gene Therapy

Brain cancer is caused by abnormal cell growth and division. Gene therapy aims to interfere with such behavior by introducing or modifying genes in cancer cells.

Modified genes will help in stopping or slowing down cancer growth and division, making it easier for the immune system to fight. Trials using gene therapy have been conducted in animals, and some clinical trials have been carried out on human subjects.

Despite having promising results, further investigation and clinical validation required to affirm the treatment’s efficacy and safety.

10. Multiple Chemotherapies Delivery

Combining multiple treatments can significantly improve the chances of success while putting cancer into remission. This is why the combination of chemotherapy alongside radiotherapy has proved effective in treating brain cancer.

Nonetheless, the infusion of multiple chemotherapies into the area surrounding a brain tumor using polymer wafers has shown immense promise and serves as active treatment for aggressive malignancies like GBM. This approach is aimed explicitly at attacking the tumor while leaving the surrounding area unharmed.

Conclusion

Brain cancers are among the most detrimental kinds of cancer that patients might face since a patient’s prognosis depends largely on how quickly the cancer is detected.

A package of treatments, including innovative surgical techniques, tumor-treating fields, gene therapy, and the repurposing of existing vaccine treatments, immunotherapy is paving the way for the next generation of treatments. Looking at these advances’ benefits, the future of brain cancer treatment seems promising.

It is essential to incorporate these breakthroughs into standard medical care soonest possible, allowing more patients to reap the benefits and experience improved quality of life – it requires commitment and dedication from researchers and policymakers.