Glioma is a type of primary brain tumor that develops from glial cells of the brain and spinal cord. It comprises more than 24% of all primary brain tumors, with around 50-70% of them being identified as malignant tumors. Glioma can affect both adult and pediatric patients, with adults over 65 and children under 12 suffering more frequently than other age groups. Depending on the specific type of cells tumor originates from, there are three main types of glioma: astrocytoma, oligodendroglioma, and glioblastoma. Based on how differentiated the tumor is, it can be identified as low-grade (usually benign) and high-grade (malignant) tumors.
Apart from being the most prevalent type of primary brain tumors, gliomas are extremely challenging to manage. Survival rates also vary greatly depending on tumor location and differentiation as well as the patient's age. Low-grade gliomas can sometimes grant up to 90% chances of 5-year survival. However, survival of patients with glioblastoma rarely exceeds 10%, whereas brainstem gliomas like diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma do not guarantee even 2-year survival for children after diagnosis confirmation. Owing to such complex and complicated nature, there is an urgent call for novel glioma treatments in order to grant better chances for survival.
Standard treatment options for glioma
Treatment strategy for glioma depends on a number of factors:
- type of the tumor,
- tumor location,
- size of the tumor,
- patient’s health,
- age,
- history of brain cancer, type of therapy applied and its efficacy.
Surgery, radiation and chemotherapy are considered to be the basis of glioma cancer of all types. However, treatment response may vary depending on the tumor type (astrocytoma, oligodendroglioma, and glioblastoma) and its location. The patient's age, IDH (Isocitrate dehydrogenase) mutation and 1p/19q codeletion are among other key factors that affect not only survival, but also management strategy.
Surgery is considered to be the central point in glioma treatment guidelines regardless of tumor type. The aim of surgery is to eliminate as much tumor tissue as possible. Various navigating systems are applied to provide precise eradication as well as preserve the remaining neurons. Such innovative navigation tools include:
- functional magnetic resonance imaging,
- diffusion tensor imaging,
- intraoperative MRI,
- functional monitoring (to avoid subsequent neurological deficit caused by surgery),
- fluorescence tumor visualization using 5-aminolevulinic acid.
The use of brain mapping, evoked potentials and electromyography in patients who are awake under local anaesthesia is encouraged to preserve cognitive functions and language skills following resection.
Radiation is another key part of standard treatment of glioma tumor. It usually follows surgery and is aimed at eliminating any malignant cells left after surgical intervention. It was proved that radiotherapy following surgery increases survival, improves overall disease control and prevents early neurological deterioration. The exact timing, dosing and duration is determined by tumor characteristics, volume of residual malignant cells and age of the patient. Proton therapy, which targets malignant cells with small charged particles, is particularly beneficial for elderly or fragile patients, since it is highly specific. Proton therapy is also preferred for aggressive glioma cancers and recurrent tumors after previous extensive treatment with both radiation and chemotherapy.
Chemotherapy for glioma is a part of therapeutic strategy to manage glioma. It is usually administered post-operatively, yet indications vary depending on the type of the grade of the tumor. For example, it is generally not considered for grade II astrocytoma and oligodendroglioma unless radiation therapy is not tolerated. Adding chemotherapy to Grade III oligodendroglioma treatment plan led to improved survival rates, yet for astrocytoma grade III and IV it proves worthy only as adjuvant chemotherapy. Alkylating agents are the main chemotherapeutic agents used for therapy.
Innovative therapy
New treatment for glioma is necessary, since many tumors show frequent recurrence. Above that, resistance to radiation as well as chemotherapy, neurological impairments following the treatment - these all comprise significant challenges for oncologists and pave the way for innovative treatments. Interventional radiology and immunotherapy, specifically dendritic cell vaccines, are at the forefront of advanced treatment options.
Interventional Radiology
Image-guided, minimally invasive procedures, such as and percutaneous tumor ablation, are now playing an increasingly important role in the management of advanced and recurrent glioma treatment. By utilizing real-time imaging techniques like ultrasound and computed tomography, these interventions allow for the precise delivery of therapy to tumor foci while enhancing accuracy and minimizing damage to surrounding tissues. The sensitivity and efficacy of the technique applied differs depending on the type of the tumor.
* Data of Prof. Dr. med. Attila Kovács
Thermal ablation, specifically laser interstitial thermal therapy, is an ablation technique, which turns laser into heat energy, which can destroy cancer cells. LITT guided by MRI is an FDA-approved method for ablation of pathological neurological tissue, including treatment of brain stem glioma, gliomas of other locations and glioblastoma. LITT is associated with increased survival rates and progression halt.
* Data of Prof. Dr. med. Attila Kovács
Studies demonstrated improvements in overall survival after administration of LITT after standard radiotherapy (median overall survival of 16.14 months) as opposed to 9 months after standard glioma care alone. Moreover, LITT is a preferred option for hard-to-reach locations.
RFA or Radiofrequency ablation is a minimally-invasive method used to eradicate tumors by means of increased temperatures induced by specific radiofrequency. As a result, it causes tissue hypoxia and infiltration of the site with immune cells, which help to eradicate the tumor. Radiofrequency ablation is a widely available procedure, which ensures improved local tumor control and increases progression-free survival and overall survival, especially if combined with systemic therapy, as illustrated on the graph below.
* Data of Prof. Dr. med. Attila Kovács
In addition to that, it may prevent further relapse by stimulating tumor-specific immune response on the tumor site. It could be a reason RFA is part of standard care of astrocytoma grade IV following surgery.
Electrochemotherapy (ECT) is a technique that utilizes irreversible electroporation to enhance sensitivity of glioma to chemotherapeutic agents. It is especially useful for treatment of glioma tumor, which has a challenging location or exhibits poor response to chemotherapy. Delivery of ECT intra-tumor leads to tumor size regression up to 65% as some research showed. It also reduces risk for recurrence and improved survival rates.
Though the latter depends on the route of administration of the chemo being higher for intraarterial administration.
* Data of Prof. Dr. med. Attila Kovács
Cryoablation is an intervention that focuses on freezing to eliminate tumor tissues. It is actively used to treat melanoma and kidney tumors. Though now there is a growing body of research showing its efficacy for large glioma lesions, recurrent tumors and those with challenging locations (for example, glioma brain stem cancer). Cryoablation reportedly increased progression-free survival even for high-grade tumors like glioblastoma (up to 50% according to some reports). Above that, it is a safe and well-tolerated intervention, which can be administered for patients exhausted by other modalities.
Dendritic Cell Therapy
Dendritic cell therapy is a unique immunotherapy technique that activates one’s immune system to fight cancer back. Dendritic cells are “scouts” of the immune system - they present unknown agents to the immune system and initiate immune response. As a groundbreaking innovation, the discoverer of dendritic cells Ralph Steinmann was awarded with the Nobel Prize in 2011. As for managing cancer, dendritic cells efficiently help to undercover the malignant cells, who are constantly trying to avoid immunological response and create immunosuppressive microenvironment. Doing so, dendritic cells inform other parts of the immune system and lead them to tumor foci for subsequent targeted elimination.
Dendritic cell vaccination is associated with improved survival rates among glioma patients. Several randomized controlled trials showed that administration of dendritic cell vaccine (DCV) increased median overall survival rates (31.9 in DCV group vs 15 months in control group). Apart from that, clinicians report that newly diagnosed glioblastoma patients have better response to treatment. Long-term survival rates for brain cancer (malignant glioma) stages may also improve significantly after DCV administration and reach as much as 36%.
There are still ongoing conversations as when to administer the dendritic cell vaccine. Most cancerous glioma tumors undergo dendritic cell therapy after the surgery. This way, it helps to eradicate the tumor mass, which demonstrates immunosuppressive features, and improves immunological recognition. Hence, subsequent elimination of the tumor activated by dendritic cell therapy, is more efficient and leads to improved local disease control and better outcomes.
| Characteristics/Therapy type | 2-Year Survival Rate | Response Rate | Duration | Side Effects |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Treatment | ~25% for advanced cancer | Less than 10% | Several cycles | Severe (nausea, fatigue, hair loss, immunosuppression, skin irritation) |
| Innovative Methods | ~60% for advanced cancer | 45-65% | Up to 4 sessions | Mild (localized discomfort) |
* Booking Health data
Comparison of Costs for Standard vs Innovative Treatments
| Treatment Method | GERMANY* | Great Britain | USA |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Treatment | €80,000 - €150,000 full course | €90,000 - €165,000 full course | €100,000 - €180,000 full course |
| Innovative Methods | €25,000 - €60,000 full course | €70,000 - €120,000 full course | €100,000 - €150,000 full course |
* Prices may vary depending on the course of treatment and tumor characteristics.
New Hope with Innovative Therapy: Success of Our Patients
Diagnosis of brain tumor, including cancer glioma, is shocking for many people. Symptoms may not be specific, while the progression is usually rapid. Therefore, one should act fast and actively pursue available treatments. It was exactly the case of Daria Rogers from Ireland. After finding out about the diagnosis of glioblastoma multiformis IV, Daria and her husband studied various neurological reports looking for the best management apart from surgery. It is exactly when the couple stumbled upon dendritic cell therapy.
Having flown to Germany, basically overseas, Daria and her husband were pleasantly surprised by the simplicity of the procedure. “It was just a visit to the clinic, an extraction of blood, blood was taken to the laboratory” - says Daria’s husband Maurice. The absence of side effects was also surprising. “There were no side effects, no major issues that we had to deal with” - comments Daria. 3 months after the treatment course, no signs of any tumor foci were found on the MRI scans. “The scans came crystal clear” - remembers Maurice. The couple could not believe that, which was why they repeated the scan only to see crystal clear scans again.
Apart from that, Daria and her husband noticed an anti-aging effect of dendritic cell treatment. “I look fresher and younger” - said Daria. Above that, Daria is convinced that due to dendritic cell therapy she was able to withstand chemoradiation. Even being in the middle of chemo- and radiotherapy, she looked “remarkably fresh” as her husband recalls. Daria believes that owing to the exceptional nature of this approach they were able to stabilize the disease and go through the exhausting standard protocol of treatment.
Daria and Maurice emphasize: timely treatment is vital. “You need to go early, you need to go quickly” - summarizes Maurice. Earlier treatment initiation significantly improves chances of survival, and innovative treatments like dendritic cell therapy helps to fight your life back.
From Ireland to Germany: Daria Rogers' Successful Battle Against Glioblastoma Grade 4
Not a sentence: management of advanced stages of glioma
Hearing the words “stage 4 cancer” can feel like reaching a dead end — a point, where treatment options seem to be limited, and hope appears to be slipping away. Family and friends try to offer comfort, while teams of brain tumor specialists suggest therapy that may have minimal impact on an already fragile quality of life. But what if that isn’t the end of the story? What if real possibilities still exist — ways to manage high-grade glioma more effectively, and without compromising your precious time and quality of life?
While a cure may not be within our current abilities, it doesn’t mean the search for treatment ends at your country’s borders. Different countries prioritize innovations and cutting-edge technologies (through funding research, training specialists and developing breakthrough therapies) can offer new hope to patients with advanced brain cancer worldwide. In glioma treatment centers, new glioma treatments may already be accessible. Exploring international treatment options can open doors to various therapies, technologies and clinical expertise, which might not yet be found in your local healthcare system. Diagnosis of metastatic brain cancer is not a sentence: there are real opportunities to extend survival and slow disease progression when guided by top-tier specialists and empowered by innovative treatments. Choosing to look beyond conventional paths, acting quickly and considering therapy options outside your country can make a significant difference and improve prognosis.
Don’t hesitate to seek second opinions, explore innovative treatment approaches and stay open to new solutions. Remember: your journey shouldn’t end with a diagnosis of malignant glioma as if it is a death sentence. After all, those who keep searching tend to find more than they even expected — innovations that grant precious time, and life that still goes on.
How can Booking Health be of help?
Searching for the best treatment option for advanced stages of cancer is extremely time-consuming and draining. Lack of options offered by conventional medicine, insurance limitations, huge queues and high cost of therapy are just a few of the issues you need to deal with while looking for the best clinic for your case. It is easy to get lost or to agree to the first-hand option just to avoid extra stress. Yet oftentimes, it does not prove to be what you supposed it to be - time- and cost-effective. In order not to waste precious time or compromise quality to cost, utilize Booking Health services.
Being a renowned medical tourism operator, Booking Health has helped to find the most appropriate treatment options for over 100,000 patients in 10 years. No standard all-to-one methods - only personalized cancer management strategies, that will be effective in your specific case. Treatment abroad seems to be way more complex to organize, without even mentioning the taxes international patients may have to pay. With Booking Health, you may save 40-70% of your money and much of your time - Booking Health experts may organize urgent (within 48h) access to the best clinics in Germany.
High quality services and top innovations in the field of advanced cancer management - these are indisputable features of Booking Health policy. Now organizational challenges do not seem like they are troublesome - everything is organized, starting from visa, transfer and accommodation and finishing with personal translation all the way through the treatment process. Selecting Booking Health as your trusted partner, you are securing your money and time as well as getting access to the most recent medical advancements in the top hospitals for advanced cancer management.
Do not waste your time searching for the options all alone - invest that time in quality services and innovations offered by Booking Health. Only the most reputable hospitals and top experts in the field of advanced cancer management are readily available upon request. Get a consultation now - start your treatment tomorrow.
Hope in Cancer Treatment: Patient Success with Booking Health
Frequently Asked Questions of Our Patients
Send request for treatmentGlioma is a type of tumor that originates from glial cells of the brain or spinal cord. The groups of cells, from which glioma originates, include astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, and ependymal cells.
Yes, gliomas are considered to be brain cancer. They can range from low-grade (slow-growing) to high-grade (aggressive and malignant) tumors.
Brain cancer symptoms, specifically symptoms of glioma, usually vary based on the tumor location and size, but they typically include:
- Seizures;
- Nausea;
- Headache;
- Cognitive or personality changes;
- Memory loss;
- Neurological deficits such as weakness or vision problems.
Main glioma subtypes include:
- Astrocytomas (including glioblastoma);
- Oligodendrogliomas;
- Ependymomas.
Each type of the tumor varies in its behavior, prognosis, and management options.
Yes, astrocytoma is a type of glioma, which arises from nervous tissue, specifically astrocytes (a type of glial cells).
High-grade gliomas (Grade III-IV) are fast-growing, malignant tumors with generally poor prognosis. Glioblastoma (Grade IV) is the most common type of primary brain tumor and the most aggressive type of high-grade glioma.
Low-grade gliomas (Grade I-II) are commonly slow-growing and less aggressive tumors as compared to high-grade gliomas. While they may remain stable for years, they can still transform into high-grade tumors with time.
Currently, most gliomas are not completely curable, especially high-grade types. However, therapy can help stabilize the disease and prolong survival rates. Low-grade gliomas may be effectively managed for years suggesting long remission.
While comparing glioma vs glioblastoma, the latter is a highly aggressive type of glioma (Grade IV). The term "glioma" includes various types of tumors originating from different types of glial cells.
Survival rates significantly vary by type of the tumor and grade. For glioblastoma, the 5-year survival rate is around 7-10%, whereas for medulloblastoma it is around 80%. Low-grade gliomas may have 5-year survival rates of as much as 70 to 90%.
Life expectancy depends on the following:
- Tumor type;
- Grade;
- Its location;
- Patient's health state;
- Previous treatments and their outcomes.
Glioblastoma patients generally have a median survival of 12-18 months, whereas low-grade glioma patients may live for a decade and more with sufficient management.
Diagnosis methods of glioma involve imaging (typically MRI), neurological exams, and biopsy or surgical resection to determine the exact type of the tumor and grade it by means of molecular testing.
Treatment of glioma tumor usually includes:
- Surgery;
- Radiation therapy;
- Chemotherapy (e.g., temozolomide);
- Targeted therapy;
- Steroids (symptoms management, including managing brain tumor pain).
Multimodal therapy is often required for high-grade tumors.
Glioma treatment side effects include:
- Fatigue;
- Nausea;
- Vomiting;
- Cognitive disorders;
- Hair loss;
- Concurrent infections;
- Neurologic deficit.
The severity and number of side effects depend roughly on the treatment modality and tumor location.
Choose treatment abroad and you will for sure get the best results!
Authors:
This article was edited by medical experts, board-certified doctors Dr. Nadezhda Ivanisova, and Dr. Vadim Zhiliuk. For the treatment of the conditions referred to in the article, you must consult a doctor; the information in the article is not intended for self-medication!
Our editorial policy, which details our commitment to accuracy and transparency, is available here. Click this link to review our policies.
Sources:
American Association of Neurological Surgeons
American Brain Tumor Association
Read:
Innovative Treatment for Glioblastoma in Germany: Dendritic Cell Therapy for Cancer
Brain cancer treatments in Germany
Hope in Cancer Treatment: Patient Success with Booking Health
Frequently Asked Questions of Our Patients
Send request for treatmentGlioma is a type of tumor that originates from glial cells of the brain or spinal cord. The groups of cells, from which glioma originates, include astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, and ependymal cells.
Yes, gliomas are considered to be brain cancer. They can range from low-grade (slow-growing) to high-grade (aggressive and malignant) tumors.
Diagnosis typically involves a neurological examination, followed by imaging tests such as MRI or CT scans. A biopsy is often required to confirm the diagnosis and determine the tumor's type and grade, which are crucial for creating an effective treatment plan.
No, not all brain tumors are cancerous. Some are benign (non-cancerous) and may grow slowly or not at all. However, even benign tumors can cause serious symptoms if they press on vital areas of the brain.
Treatment options may include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, and interventional radiology methods like electrochemotherapy (ECT), transarterial chemoembolization (TACE), and thermal ablation. Treatment plans are personalized depending on the tumor type, stage, and location.
Radiation therapy uses high-energy beams to destroy or damage cancer cells. Techniques like conformal or stereotactic radiotherapy allow precise targeting of the tumor, reducing harm to surrounding healthy brain tissue and improving treatment safety.
Side effects depend on the type and duration of treatment but may include fatigue, nausea, vomiting, hair loss, cognitive changes, mood swings, headaches, and memory problems. Some effects are temporary, while others may be long-term.
Recovery varies based on the complexity of the surgery and the patient's overall health. Hospital stays usually range from 3 to 10 days, with full recovery at home taking 6 to 12 weeks. Physical therapy and rehabilitation may be recommended to support recovery.
Alternatives include radiation therapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, and interventional radiology techniques such as TACE, laser therapy, and electrochemotherapy. These options are often used when surgery is not feasible due to tumor location or patient condition.
Targeted therapy uses medications designed to block specific molecules involved in cancer cell growth and survival. This approach allows for treatment with fewer side effects compared to traditional chemotherapy. It is particularly useful in tumors with known genetic mutations.
Yes, immunotherapy is an emerging option that helps the body's immune system recognize and fight cancer. Approaches such as dendritic cell therapy and immune checkpoint inhibitors are showing potential, especially for tumors that are resistant to standard treatments.
Surgery is often the first and most effective step in treating brain tumors, especially when the tumor can be fully or partially removed. It helps reduce tumor mass, relieve pressure on the brain, and improve the efficacy of additional therapies like radiation or chemotherapy.
Yes, several new treatments are being developed and tested in the best hospitals for brain cancer treatment, including advanced immunotherapies, next-generation targeted drugs, and minimally invasive interventional procedures. These options offer new hope for patients with both primary and recurrent brain tumors.
Prognosis of 4th stage lung cancer depends on factors like cancer subtype, genetic mutations, overall health, and treatment response.
Choose treatment abroad and you will for sure get the best results!
Authors:
This article was edited by medical experts, board-certified doctors Dr. Nadezhda Ivanisova, and Dr. Vadim Zhiliuk. For the treatment of the conditions referred to in the article, you must consult a doctor; the information in the article is not intended for self-medication!
Our editorial policy, which details our commitment to accuracy and transparency, is available here. Click this link to review our policies.
Sources:
Read:
Innovative Treatment for Glioblastoma in Germany: Dendritic Cell Therapy for Cancer
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