| Treatment options | Objective | |
|---|---|---|
|
Surgery (resection)
If your tumor(s) can be removed and you are healthy enough to have
surgery, your doctor may recommend a total or partial resection
|
If your tumor(s) can be removed and you are healthy enough to have surgery, your doctor may recommend a total or partial resection | Reduce pressure in the brain, stop progression, and relieve symptoms |
|
Observation period (“watch and wait”)*
In some cases, delaying treatment gives you and your doctor more time to
evaluate your disease
|
In some cases, delaying treatment gives you and your doctor more time to evaluate your disease | Reduce the amount of time you may experience possible side effects from treatment |
|
Targeted treatment
If your glioma has a mutation, there may be a treatment available to
target that specific mutation
|
If your glioma has a mutation, there may be a treatment available to target that specific mutation | Directly target what’s causing your tumor to grow |
|
Radiation therapy
A type of cancer treatment that uses rays to destroy cancer cells
|
A type of cancer treatment that uses rays to destroy cancer cells | Kill the remaining cancer cells after a resection |
|
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy for gliomas can be given as infusions and as pills taken by
mouth
|
Chemotherapy for gliomas can be given as infusions and as pills taken by mouth | Kill the remaining cancer cells after a resection |
|
Clinical trials
The National Comprehensive Cancer Network® recommends those with glioma look
into available
clinical trials
|
The National Comprehensive Cancer Network® recommends those with glioma look into available clinical trials | Gain access to cutting-edge treatments that are not yet available to the general public |
Communication about expectations is encouraged from both sides
You and your healthcare team will create a treatment plan tailored to your needs and preferences. The treatment plan will include if and when treatment should start, what type of treatment is right for you, and how often your follow-up appointments will be. Be sure to communicate your treatment goals with your healthcare team so they can build them into your plan.
Follow-up appointments, including brain scans, are a vital part of your treatment plan. Work with your healthcare team to follow their recommended appointment schedule as closely as possible.
What happens after your diagnosis?
A cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming. A glioma diagnosis may require you to make some adjustments in your life.
Some people living with glioma are able to continue taking care of their children, going to work, exercising, and going to school after receiving their diagnosis. Be mindful that there will be extra planning involved, and some new limitations.
You may have to go to a treatment center for some therapies, such as chemotherapy infusions and radiation. Recovery therapies that may be performed outside the home include occupational therapy and speech therapy. Someone else may need to drive you to and from the sessions. Start making a plan for how you will get to and from your appointments.
What can I expect from my glioma treatment?
You and your doctor will develop a treatment plan that is targeted to your cancer. Here are some of the
options that are available. Note that some may be used in combination with each other.
*This may happen before or after chemotherapy, radiation, or surgery, depending on the tumor
type.
Find out more about a targeted treatment for IDH-mutant enzymes in glioma
Learn more
Preparing for surgery (resection)
Once you have received the results of your brain scans, your physician will determine if you are eligible for surgery. The goal of the surgery is to remove as much of the tumor as possible. Your physician may call this a partial or total resection.
During the surgery, you may be awake or you may be put under sedation using anesthesia. Once the tumor has been removed (or as much as can be safely removed), you will need to recover before starting the next parts of your treatment.
After your surgery, your doctor will perform additional tests to determine the appropriate next steps in your treatment.
What to expect after your surgery
You’ll work with your healthcare team to create a treatment plan tailored to your needs and
preferences. There are several options for continuing your treatment after you have completed your
first surgical resection. Be sure to communicate your treatment goals so your healthcare team can
build them into the treatment plan.
For anyone with glioma, follow-up care is essential
Watch this short video, Recovering and Readjusting, and see how you can manage your glioma after surgery.
Staying on track with follow-up care
Follow-up appointments, including imaging, are important for anyone managing
glioma
These appointments are meant to help you and your doctor keep track of your treatment and how well it is working. Be sure to make time for your brain scan appointments on the schedule your doctor gives you.
Your doctor may also assess your blood cells and your organ function, and ask about possible side effects of your treatment. Certain changes in bodily function may require a smaller dose of medication or stopping treatment altogether for your safety. Your doctor may ask about new symptoms, your mental health, and how you’re doing day-to-day.
The follow-up appointments are usually more frequent in the beginning of your treatment, and may become less so as time goes on. Follow-up appointments may differ from person to person, and depends on your treatment plan.
Advocating for yourself will help your doctor meet your treatment goals
You know your body better than anyone, so speak to your healthcare providers if you feel that
something isn’t right.
The impact of glioma treatment on daily life
Depending on your treatment, whether it’s surgery, radiation therapy, or chemotherapy, you may experience side effects that impact your daily activities. It is important to keep track of these symptoms and report them to your care team if any become difficult to manage.
Get confidence about returning to work
If and when you’re ready to return to work, you may be nervous about going back. Learn tips on how to handle your return in this short video, Back to Business.
Whether you’re at the beginning of your glioma journey or have already started treatment, there are resources to help you every step of the way.
Explore resources
