Targeted therapy may also be used for brain tumors that are spreading. It hinders the cancer cell's ability to grow and spread. The medicines may work when other methods fail.
These are picked based on the tumor type. They may be used alone or with other treatments:
Side effects are:
There are many ways to manage these problems. Common methods are medicines and lifestyle changes. Call your doctor as soon as you notice any problems. Doing so will better your chances of controlling them.
Adult central nervous system tumors treatment (PDQ®)–health professional version. National Cancer Institute website. Available at: https://www.cancer.gov/types/brain/hp/adult-brain-treatment-pdq. Accessed July 13, 2021.
Astrocytoma and oligodentroglioma in adults. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/astrocytoma-and-oligodendroglioma-in-adults. Accessed July 13, 2021.
Lukas RV, Boire A, et al. Targeted therapy in the treatment of malignant gliomas. Onco Targets Ther. 2009;2:115-133.
Meningioma. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/meningioma. Accessed July 13, 2021.
Overview of intracranial tumors. Merck Manual Professional Version website. Available at: https://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/neurologic-disorders/intracranial-and-spinal-tumors/overview-of-intracranial-tumors. Accessed July 13, 2021.
Targeted drug therapy for adult brain and spinal cord tumors. American Cancer Society website. Available at: https://www.cancer.org/cancer/brain-spinal-cord-tumors-adults/treating/targeted-therapy.html. Accessed July 13, 2021.
Last reviewed July 2021 by EBSCO Medical Review Board Rimas Lukas, MD