Refractory CNS malignancy
Refractory CNS Malignancy
CNS malignancies are primary brain tumors that arise from glial tissue, neurons, and neuroepithelium. These tumors are usually very aggressive and difficult to treat, and the prognosis for affected individuals is often poor. CNS malignancies are typically classified as either primary or secondary, with secondary tumors resulting from the spread of cancer from outside the central nervous system. Refractory CNS malignancies are those that are resistant to standard treatments, including surgery, radiation, and/or chemotherapy.
Typical treatments for refractory CNS malignancies include targeted therapy, immunotherapy, and photodynamic therapy. Targeted therapy uses drugs to target specific molecules on the surface of affected cancer cells. These drugs block the growth and spread of cancer cells. Immunotherapy helps to boost the body's own immune system to recognize and attack cancer cells. Photodynamic therapy uses lasers to activate light-sensitive drugs that target and destroy cancer cells.
Research is ongoing to improve treatments for refractory CNS malignancies. Recent breakthroughs include the development of new therapeutic agents and immunotherapies, such as checkpoint inhibitors and CAR-T cell therapy. Chemotherapy and radiation therapy can also be used in combination with targeted therapy to treat refractory CNS malignancies.
In order to improve the prognosis of patients with refractory CNS malignancies, health care providers must identify and treat these cancers as early as possible. Early diagnosis and treatment can help to reduce the chance of recurrence and improve patient quality of life. Additional research is needed to develop newer, more effective treatments for refractory CNS malignancies.
Treatment Options for Refractory CNS Malignancies:
- Surgery
- Radiation Therapy
- Chemotherapy
- Targeted Therapy
- Immunotherapy
- Photodynamic Therapy
- Checkpoint Inhibitors
- CAR-T Cell Therapy