Neurology, Addiction and Psychiatry Conference

Neuro-oncology is that speciality in the field of medicine which concentrates on the diagnosis and treatment of tumors in CNS. Such tumors can arise either within the CNS or as metastatic effects from other parts of the body and hence represent both primary and secondary tumors. The three most common brain tumors in neuro-oncology are gliomas, such as glioblastoma multiforme; meningiomas; and astrocytomas. Since the brain as well as the spinal cord is involved in very critical functions, the growth and spread of such malignancies can cause destruction in terms of devastating neurological consequences.

Neuro-oncology focuses not only on the immediate effects of the tumor but also on the more remote neurological effects of cancer treatments including chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and immunotherapy. Although these therapies are life-saving for cancer patients, they do significantly affect the patient's body, causing such adverse effects as neurotoxity and dysfunction in cognitive functions. Therefore, treatment by neuro-oncologists should find a proper balance between aggressive treatment methods and preserving brain functions as well as quality life.

Neuroimaging normally constitutes the primary diagnosis of neuro-oncology and usually involves MRI and CT scans, which reveal tumors in the brain and spinal cord. Biopsy is also performed, where the tumor tissue is seen to determine what type of cancer it is and its level of advancement. The reason for early and accurate diagnoses is that treatment options and prognosis depend on the kind of tumor, location, and rate of growth. In some cases, neurosurgery may be conducted to remove the tumor or reduce its size to alleviate symptoms and improve outcome.

Highly advanced personalized medicine and targeted therapies have changed the face of the treatment landscape in neuro-oncology. Immunotherapies and precision treatments, which capitalize on the immune system of the body in attacking cancer cells and aim to destroy particular genetic mutations existing within the tumor, respectively have opened a new vista of effective yet not so toxic treatments. It is these advanced therapies that have given much hope where aggressive cancers like glioblastoma were truly hard to treat long ago.

Researchers are also working on how to preserve the brain when subjected to therapies that cause harm from cancer therapy itself and improve long-term results in survivors. As neuro-oncology continues to grow, it remains focused on developing new therapies that could grant a chance for the prolongation of survival rates with the preservation of neurological function and quality of life for those bearing the CNS cancers.