Читать книгу The SAGE Encyclopedia of Stem Cell Research - Группа авторов - Страница 203

Treatment options for the brain tumor depend on their grade. Low-grade tumors (grade I and II) are not aggressive and are treated with monitoring. However, if the need arises, surgery alone can prove helpful. Repeat scans are used to monitor all tumors, but grade II tumors are watched more closely after surgery and over time to make sure there is no recurrence. Higher-grade tumors (grade III and IV) are malignant and can grow quickly. They are more difficult to remove and require additional treatments beyond surgery, such as radiation and chemotherapy. Microscopic tumor cells can remain after surgery and will eventually grow back.

Surgery remains the mainstay of treatment; however, only partial removal may be possible in cases where the tumor is inaccessible. Biopsy is considered even if the tumor cannot be excised for the histological diagnosis; this is important for prognosis and management. Recurrence is common even if the tumor is apparently completely removed. All treatments, therefore, are intended to prolong and improve life for as long as possible. Sometimes, chemotherapy or radiation is also used after surgery to kill any remaining cancer cells. A highly focused radiation therapy known as Gamma Knife Therapy can be used for deep tumors.