How is the effectiveness of radiation therapy for brain tumors monitored?
May 27, 2022 | 30,00 EUR | answered by Andrea Schlosser
Dear Doctor,
My name is Franceska Kock and I have been suffering from a brain tumor for some time now. A few weeks ago, I was recommended to undergo radiation therapy to fight the tumor cells. I have already started the treatment, but I am concerned about how the effectiveness of the radiation therapy will be monitored.
I have heard that it is important to regularly undergo follow-up examinations to monitor the progress of the treatment. Could you please explain to me which examinations are typically performed and how often I should have them done? Are there specific procedures or tests used to assess the tumor's response to the radiation therapy?
Furthermore, I am worried that the radiation therapy may not achieve the desired results and the tumor continues to grow. What would be the next steps in such a case? Are there alternative treatment options that should be considered?
I would greatly appreciate it if you could provide me with some information on this topic to alleviate my concerns and help me receive the best possible treatment for my brain tumor.
Thank you in advance for your assistance.
Sincerely,
Franceska Kock
Dear Franceska Kock,
First of all, I would like to thank you for trusting me and giving me the opportunity to help you with your questions and concerns regarding your brain tumor. It is understandable that you are worried about the effectiveness of the radiation therapy and want to know how it is monitored.
Usually, during radiation therapy, regular check-up examinations are conducted to monitor the progress of the treatment and assess the tumor's response. Typically, imaging techniques such as CT or MRI scans are used to check the size and location of the tumor. These examinations are usually carried out before the start of radiation therapy and then repeated at regular intervals during the treatment.
The frequency of these check-up examinations may vary depending on the type and stage of the brain tumor, so it is important to discuss the exact schedule of the examinations with your treating physician. Typically, the first check-up examinations are done in the first few weeks of radiation therapy and then repeated every few weeks or months as needed.
To assess the tumor's response to radiation therapy, special procedures such as Positron Emission Tomography (PET) or Perfusion MRI may also be used. These procedures can provide information about the tumor's metabolic activity and blood flow, helping to assess the effectiveness of the treatment.
If it turns out that radiation therapy is not achieving the desired results and the tumor continues to grow, there are various options that can be considered as next steps. These may include additional radiation therapy, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, or surgical interventions, depending on the individual case and the recommendations of the treating physicians.
It is important to openly discuss your concerns and questions with your doctor so that together you can find the best possible treatment for your brain tumor. I hope that this information helps alleviate your concerns and support you on the path to successful treatment.
Best wishes on your road to recovery, and do not hesitate to reach out to me again for further questions or uncertainties.
Sincerely,
Andrea Schlosser
