Glioma Oncology Roadmap
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- Glioma Oncology Roadmap
Journey Overview
Gliomas are a type of cancerous tumor that affect the central nervous system. These tumors are caused by the uncontrolled growth of glial cells, which form the tissues that surround and support nerve cells. Most gliomas occur in the brain, though there are types that occur in the spinal cord. The best approach to treating glioma will vary from person to person, and people with glioma will work with a multidisciplinary team of healthcare providers to determine the best treatment options. If you or a loved one is living with glioma, this guide provides information to help you better understand the healthcare providers that you will work with, what questions you should be asking at appointments, and the different aspects of treatment.
Your Multidisciplinary Team
People who are living with glioma will work with a team of healthcare providers with different specialties. This team can include:
Neuro-Oncologist
A neuro-oncologist is a physician who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of cancers that affect the nervous system. This specialist will oversee treatment with medications being used to treat the glioma, which can include chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy. Neuro-oncologists will also coordinate care with other specialists.
Neurosurgeon
Most gliomas require treatment with surgery. This can include surgery to remove the entire tumor, remove as much of the tumor as possible, or take a biopsy of the tumor for testing. These procedures will be performed by a neurosurgeon, a physician who specializes in the surgical treatment of conditions that affect the brain and nervous system.
Neurologist
Diagnosis of glioma often begins with an exam by a neurologist, a physician who specializes in disorders that affect the nervous system. A neurologist can assess symptoms and order appropriate imaging tests. A neurologist can also prescribe therapies that help control symptoms caused by the glioma, such as medications for seizures and brain swelling.
Other Providers
A glioma team often includes a radiation oncologist, a physician who specializes in treating cancer with radiation therapy. Additional members of a multidisciplinary team can include oncology nurses, oncology social workers, counselors, mental health professionals, and rehabilitation specialists, such as physical therapists and occupational therapists.
Glioma Treatment Options
- Every glioma is different, and treatment recommendations depend on several factors, including the grade, location, and size of the tumor, as well as a person’s age, overall health, and symptoms.
- Low-risk cases may only require observation and follow-up imaging tests.
- Most gliomas will be treated with surgery to remove the tumor or as much of the tumor as possible.
- Treatment can include radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and targeted therapy.
- Treatment can also include therapies to control symptoms and rehabilitation after surgery.
Your best source of information about treatment options will be your healthcare team. Work with your providers to understand what treatment options are available, the potential risks and benefits, and how different therapies can achieve different goals.
The Conversation: Questions for Your Healthcare Team
Good communication with your healthcare team is essential to understanding your diagnosis, understanding your treatment options, and making treatment decisions. Use these questions to help during your appointment.
What are the most important things I need to know about the diagnosis?
- What type of glioma do I have?
- What is the grade of the glioma and what does this mean?
- Where is the glioma located?
- How large is the glioma?
- What additional tests do I need?
- Do you have materials I can read on my own to better understand the diagnosis?
- Should I get a second opinion?
What treatment approach do you recommend?
- What therapy or combination of therapies do you recommend based on my diagnosis?
- What kind of side effects should we expect with this treatment? What can be done to manage side effects?
- What lifestyle changes will I need to make during treatment?
- What will treatment cost? Who can I talk to if I am concerned about the cost of treatment?
- When will treatment need to begin?
- How long will treatment take?
What will happen after treatment?
- What are the potential long-term risks of this treatment approach? For example, long term impacts on your ability to work, your fertility, or your overall health.
- What will the recovery process be like? What kind of follow-up care will I need? What kind of caregiving and support will I need?
- How will we know if the treatment worked?
- What follow-up exams and tests will I need, and how often?
- What is the risk of recurrence? What are the treatment options for a recurrence?
If you have a question about any aspect of your diagnosis or care, your healthcare providers will be your best source of information.
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