How Immunotherapy Is Emerging as a Supportive Therapy in Brain Tumor Management

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Brain tumors remain one of the most challenging conditions to treat, particularly aggressive types like glioblastoma. Traditional treatments such as surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy form the backbone of care, but brain tumor immunotherapy is emerging as a promising supportive therapy. Patients in Mumbai now have access to advanced treatment options through specialized centers and expert brain tumour specialists.

What Is Brain Tumor Immunotherapy?

Immunotherapy leverages the body’s own immune system to recognize and attack tumor cells. Instead of targeting the tumor directly like surgery or radiation, it strengthens the immune response, helping the body fight residual cancer cells and reducing recurrence risk. Common approaches include:

✓ Checkpoint inhibitors that release immune “brakes” to activate T-cells
✓ Tumor vaccine trials are designed to train the immune system to recognize tumor-specific markers
✓ Other non-surgical treatments aimed at recurrent or resistant tumors

This therapy is becoming an important component of advanced brain tumor care, especially for patients with recurrent disease.

Which Brain Tumors Respond to Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy has shown promising results in:

✓ Glioblastoma – particularly in combination with conventional therapies
✓ Certain high-grade gliomas and metastatic brain lesions
✓ Recurrent or treatment-resistant tumors where standard therapy alone may be insufficient

Ongoing research and clinical trials continue to expand the range of tumors that may benefit from this innovative therapy.

Integration with Traditional Treatments

Immunotherapy is rarely used in isolation. It is most effective when combined with:

✓ Surgery to remove the bulk of the tumor tissue
✓ Radiation therapy to target residual cells
✓ Chemotherapy to enhance immune responses

By combining modalities, doctors can improve outcomes while minimizing side effects. This approach is a key aspect of recurrent tumor therapy and personalized brain tumor management in Mumbai.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What types of brain tumors respond to immunotherapy?
Immunotherapy has shown the most success in aggressive tumors like glioblastoma, certain high-grade gliomas, and recurrent brain metastases. Ongoing trials continue to explore its effectiveness in other tumor types.
Q: Is immunotherapy used alone or with surgery/radiation?
It is usually used as a complementary therapy. Combining immunotherapy with surgery, radiation, or chemotherapy maximizes treatment efficacy and improves patient outcomes in advanced brain tumor care.

Conclusion

Cancer immunotherapy in Mumbai is opening new avenues for patients with brain tumors, offering hope in cases where conventional treatments are limited. By enhancing the immune system, immunotherapy serves as a supportive therapy, particularly for aggressive or recurrent tumors. Consultation with an experienced brain tumour specialist is essential to determine the best individualized plan, integrating immunotherapy with surgery and radiation for optimal care.

Glad to share the launch moments of Neuro Support Group “Humraahi”, a heartfelt initiative to empower neuro patients and their caregivers by our SL Raheja Hospital, Fortis associate - Neuroscience team.

Graced by Chief Guest Arbaaz Khan, the event featured inspiring talks, art and music therapy, and an engaging stand-up act by Dr. Aditya Daftary.

Humraahi echoes companionship and courage in the healing journey creating a safe space where patients find strength, families find guidance, and everyone finds hope.

The overwhelming response from patients, families, and consultants underscores the need for a support group like Humraahi. Our core team, comprising Dr. Kaustubh Mahajan, Dr. Sreelakshmi, Me and Dr. Kedar Tilwe, will drive the initiative, meeting bi-monthly and looking forward to bring positive change in more lives..# Humraahi

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