Chronicle Reporter, Bhopal, On the 3rd day of ongoing Neuro-Oncology Conference – ISNOCON 2019 – experts discussed newly introduced techniques for the treatment of multidisciplinary Brain Tumors.Lectures and discussions were held on topics like Giant cell tumors (GCT) and Non-Seminomatous germ cell tumor (NSGCT). They also discussed treatment and clinical and surgical staging procedures.
Some of the other topics covered were treatment and precautions for non-germinomatous germ cell tumors and Contemporary Management of Intracranial GCTs towards ISNO Consensus Guidelines. Dr. Sona Pungavkar from Mumbai Dr. Chitra Sarkar from Delhi presented her study about Imaging of Intracranial GCTs and process to differentiate Germinomas from NGGCTs through Imaging.
An interesting and emerging treatment option -Genetically modified virus-based therapy- was also presented and discussed in today’s Prof Yong-Kil Hong, Neurosurgeon and Scientist from South Korea explained that how a modified polio-vaccine could directly kill the tumor cells and also set up a secondary immune response which kills additional tumors cells in the periphery. He further stated that the process is in the clinical trial stage and results are very positive.
In addition to further progress on genetic research Dr. Ching C Lau from Jackson Laboratory for Genomic Medicine, USA added his research work on Genetic profiling and its clinical implications. He said that by differentiating cancer affected cells and normal cells we can better target out treatment only on affected cells.
Another method discussed was Laser Interstitial Thermal Therapy. In this method, laser energy is delivered directly into the tumor by fine probes/needles to kill the tumor cells.
Dr. Nitin Garg, Neurosurgeon at Bansal Hospital and organizing committee secretary said that now experts, working in the field of brain tumor treatment and research, are focusing on targeted therapies.
The tumors are analyzed to the molecular level and depending upon the tumor biology, treatment options are discussed and offered to the patients. During the conference, scientists are trying to better understand the tumor biology so that weak points of that tumor can be attacked with the least damage to the normal brain tissues.
Germ cells are responsible for brain tumor in child: Dr Majumdar
Dr. Dattatraya Majumdar, neurosurgeon of KEM Hospital, Mumbai, told that the tumors found in children are called germ cell tumors. When germ cells reach the brain during pregnancy, then they make tumors in brain.
Dr Majumdar also added that advance techniques are enhancing our knowledge towards brain tumor molecular formation as it plays a very important and decisive role to decide which type of treatment should be given to the patient.
Dr Rupesh Kotecha, Radiation Oncologist in Miami American Cancer USA highlighted the methods of treatment with advanced techniques of radiation therapy.Dr. Rupesh said that after various levels of identifications we identifies cells effected with tumor and normal healthy cells so that only targeted tumors cells get the effect of radiation without affecting this radiation on other healthy cells. But this treatment is currently quite expensive but its cost will decrease in the future.
In today’s conference Oration given on late Abhijeet Guha, who played an important role in the formation of the Indian Neuro Onco Society held. Abhijeet Guha, living in Canada, carried out commendable work towards making the treatment of brain tumors more accessible through telemedicine in low income countries.