Complex therapy for brain tumors

Chemotherapy for brain cancer is one of the important aspects of treatment. Operative interventions and radiation on the brain are risky enough. Compared with these methods, chemotherapy is safer. What are the cures for brain tumors?

Applied drug groups

There are a lot of drugs that have a depressing effect on a malignant tumor. The following medicines are widely used:

• antibiotics with cytostatic action;
• preparations based on platinum;
• antimetabolites;
• herbal remedies;
• hormones;
• products of genetic engineering.

All drugs have a different degree of toxic effect, but the benefits of their use are much higher than the harm from side effects. The choice of a particular drug depends on the type of tumor, the stage of the disease, the presence of metastases in other organs, as well as the general state of the body.

Tip! Folk remedies for a brain tumor can be not only useless, but also aggravate the severity of the disease. Therefore, all non-traditional methods should be coordinated with the oncologist.

Antibiotics

The mechanism of action of antitumor antibiotics is based on their ability to inhibit the synthesis of nucleic acids - the genetic material of atypical cells. The main drug used to treat brain tumors is Bleomycin. It is produced by one of the bacteria of streptomycetes. Has a high toxic effect on the lung tissue, skin, mucous membrane of the digestive tract. Daunorubicin and Doxorubicin are used for some types of tumors.

Platinum preparations

These include cis- and carboplatin. These drugs are able to penetrate inside the atypical cell and integrate into the structure of DNA.As a result, the tumor cell loses its ability to reproduce. The drug is administered intravenously, in most cases as part of a comprehensive treatment. Side effects include deafness, damage to blood cells, severe dyspepsia.

Antimetabolites

The most famous drugs of this group are Fluorouracil and Methotrexate. The mechanism of their action is associated with the displacement of the constituent parts from the DNA structure of the tumor cell. As a result, the vital activity of the atypical cell is disrupted. The drugs are available in tablets and injectable solutions. Side effects are the defeat of blood cells, the mucosa of the gastrointestinal tract.

Herbal Remedies

Some herbs can be used against brain tumors. They are assigned mainly for complex use. The preparation Vincristine, obtained from the vinca plant, is used. It disturbs the mitotic division of pathological cells, stopping tumor growth. It is administered intravenously. Of the side effects noted negative effects on blood cells, the development of dyspepsia and abdominal pain.

Hormonal preparations

One of the drugs of this group used in brain cancer is Dexamethasone. It is the most highly effective hormone of the adrenal glands. The effect of Dexamethasone on a brain tumor is to suppress the vital activity of an atypical cell. Appointed drug for ingestion, a long course. Achieving the necessary therapeutic dose and drug withdrawal should be carried out gradually.

Carmustin

Specific drug for a brain tumor. It is placed in the cavity, formed after the operative removal of the tumor. Produced Carmustine in the form of capsules. Side effects include the development of convulsive syndrome and cerebral edema.

Genetic Engineering Tools

This is a relatively new direction in the therapy of malignant brain diseases. Drugs are prescribed individually for each person. The mechanism of action of these drugs is based on blocking the growth and development of atypical cells.

Avastin is specific for the treatment of neural tissue tumors. It blocks the formation of new blood vessels that supply blood to the tumor. As a result, the tumor stops growing, and also decreases in size.

Scheme of antitumor treatment

For a more complete treatment of the tumor, a three-drug regimen was developed: Vincristine, Procarbazine, Lomustine. The first medicine is used injectively, the other two for internal administration.

Treatment according to this scheme requires special nutrition in the brain tumor. This is necessary because the substance contained in some foods, in combination with drugs from the scheme, can cause an increase in blood pressure. Therefore, the following products should be excluded from the ration at the time of treatment under this scheme:

• all kinds of chocolate;
• all kinds of cheese;
• meat delicacies;
• canned foods;
• alcoholic beverages.

Features of nutrition in brain cancer

A diet for a brain tumor should facilitate treatment. Excludes all products that may contain potential carcinogens. The diet is built according to the principles of healthy nutrition - a lot of fruits and vegetables, low-fat boiled meat, meat by-products are used. It is useful to include in the diet cereals, sprouted wheat.

Since any malignant tumor causes osteoporosis - the diet should be enriched with foods high in calcium - milk, cottage cheese. It is forbidden to drink alcoholic beverages, products with the presence of preservatives, excessive amounts of sweets.

Tumors of the brain in all cases should be treated with chemotherapy drugs, the choice of which is based on the type of cancer, its prevalence in the brain.