Brain Cancer Treatment In Singapore

What Are The Options For Brain Cancer Treatment In Singapore

Options for treatment for brain cancer in Singapore (or for brain tumour) normally includes a combination of radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and surgery, but will depend on the stage of the brain cancer and the treatment preference of the patient.

The treatments offered for brain cancer / tumour may depend on:

1. The type, grade, size, location and genetic make-up of the tumour
2. Age, medical history, and general state of health of the patient
3. Symptoms present

Treatment options for brain cancer include the following:

Surgery

Surgery in the brain is called Neurosurgery. In some cases, surgery can remove all (total resection) or some (partial resection or biopsy) of the tumour to help either manage symptoms or remove the cancer completely. Removing all of or a part of the tumour may reduce pressure in the brain and relieve some of the symptoms.

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy uses drugs to destroy or slow the growth of cancer cells. The goal is to destroy cancer cells while causing the least possible damage to healthy cells. Using chemotherapy drugs to treat brain cancer can be difficult due to the blood-brain barrier, which helps protect the brain from substances in the blood, such as bacteria or chemicals, that may injure the brain. Only specific types of chemotherapy drugs can get through the blood-brain barrier.

Radiation therapy

Also known as radiotherapy, radiation therapy uses a controlled dose of radiation to destroy or damage tumour cells in the region being treated. The radiation is generally in the form of x-ray beams. uses targeted radiation to kill cancer cells.

Stereotactic Radiosurgery (SRS)

SRS is a specialized type of targeted radiotherapy that may be used to treat small brain tumours and tumours that can’t be treated with surgery or brain tumours that have metastasised. It involves a special type of high-dose radiotherapy that target affected areas in the brain whilst avoiding healthy brain tissue.

Stereotactic Radiation Therapy (SRT)

SRT may be used to treat both malignant (cancerous) and benign (non-cancerous) tumours. It involves a longer course of highly targeted radiation. The treatment is given in multiple small daily doses.

Where To Get Brain Cancer Treatment In Singapore

Patients can seek treatment for brain cancer at major hospitals in Singapore – for instance, at the SingHealth group of hospitals, Mount Elizabeth Hospital, Gleneagles Hospital, etc.