How Chemotherapy Is Revolutionizing Brain Cancer Treatment
Brain cancer is a disease that affects the normal functioning of the brain and can be life-threatening. However, with the advent of chemotherapy, treatments have become more targeted and improved survival rates.
Chemotherapy is the use of drugs to treat cancer by killing cancerous cells. It is revolutionizing brain cancer treatment by providing a valuable option to patients with brain cancer who may not be suitable for surgery or radiotherapy. Chemotherapy is being used to manage brain cancer by either shrinking or slowing its growth, thereby improving the overall quality of life of patients.
Scientists and doctors have been working tirelessly to develop more effective chemotherapy treatments for brain cancer. Some of the chemotherapy drugs used for brain cancer treatment include Temozolomide, Nitrosoureas, and Carmustine.
Temozolomide is commonly used to treat Glioblastoma Multiforme, which is an aggressive type of brain tumor. It is administered orally, and has shown promising results in prolonging the life of many patients.
Nitrosoureas such as Carmustine, Lomustine, and Streptozotocin are also widely used in chemotherapy for brain cancer treatment. They work by penetrating the blood-brain barrier, which is a characteristic of brain tumors, to attack cancerous cells.
Furthermore, research studies have shown that the use of chemotherapy drugs such as Bevacizumab, a drug that restricts the formation of blood vessels that feed cancer cells, has been successful in treating recurrent tumors.
The traditional chemotherapy treatments can have side effects, including nausea and vomiting, hair loss, and fatigue. However, as drugs evolve, newer chemotherapy drugs are being designed with fewer side effects.
In conclusion, the use of chemotherapy is a significant breakthrough in brain cancer treatment. Despite its side effects, it is an essential option that has improved the survival rates of patients with brain cancer. The development of newer, targeted chemotherapy treatments brings hope that brain cancer can be better understood and treated in the future.