The main treatments for brain tumours are surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. These may be used alone or in combination. Medicines, such as steroids and anti-seizure medicines may also be used to reduce brain tumour symptoms.

Treatment is based on many factors, including: 

• Patient age, overall health and medical history

• Type, location and size of the tumour or tumours

• Likelihood of the tumour spreading or recurring

• Speed of tumour growth 

• Patient tolerance for specific medications, procedures, or therapies

Sometimes tumours that are not growing or spreading will be monitored closely, and not given any treatment until the patient develops symptoms, or their symptoms change. 

Decisions about the best course of treatment are made with the patient and their medical team. Patients have the right to accept or refuse any treatment offered. They may also want to get a second opinion from another specialist to confirm or clarify their doctor’s recommendations, or as reassurance, they’ve explored all options.

In Australia, some people are offered the option of participation in a clinical trial, which tests new, experimental treatments for brain cancer. You can read more about clinical trials and how to access them, here. 

Cellular makeup, speed of growth, location of the tumour, and even the age of the patient can all impact tumour behaviour, resulting in a variety of symptoms and different experiences among patients. For this reason, you shouldn’t assume that another person’s outcome from treatment will be the same as yours.

Side Effects

All treatments have side effects. These vary depending on the type of treatment. Many of these side effects are temporary, while others can be permanent. Talk to your doctor about all the possible side effects before you start treatment. 

Common side effects include; 

• Loss of touch and movement

• Deep venous thrombosis (blood clot)

• Hearing loss

• Behavioural and cognitive changes