About Chemoembolization of Malignant Brain Tumour
Key Highlights
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Minimally invasive procedure with no large surgical incision required.Delivers high-dose chemotherapy directly to the tumor site, maximizing effectiveness.Reduces systemic side effects compared to traditional intravenous chemotherapy.Dual action: Chemotherapy attacks cancer cells while embolization cuts off the tumor's blood supply.Can be an option for tumors deemed inoperable by conventional neurosurgery.Often performed with local anesthesia and sedation, promoting faster initial recovery.liHelps in controlling tumor growth, alleviating symptoms, and improving quality of life./li/ul
Who is this surgery for?
- Primary malignant brain tumors (e.g., glioblastoma) that are difficult to resect completely.
- Brain metastases from cancers like lung, breast, or melanoma.
- Tumors located in deep or eloquent areas of the brain where surgery carries high neurological risk.
- Recurrent brain tumors after previous surgery or radiation therapy.
- As a palliative treatment to control tumor growth and manage symptoms like pain or pressure.
- Patients who are not optimal candidates for open brain surgery due to overall health.
- To reduce tumor size before a planned surgical resection (neoadjuvant therapy).
How to prepare
- Comprehensive neurological evaluation and imaging (MRI, MRA, or angiography) to map the tumor and its blood supply.
- Review of medical history, allergies (especially to contrast dye or chemotherapy drugs), and current medications.
- Blood tests to assess kidney function, liver function, and clotting ability.
- Discontinuation of blood-thinning medications (e.g., aspirin, warfarin) as advised by the neurosurgeon.
- Fasting for 6-8 hours before the procedure, typically overnight.
- Discussion of the procedure's goals, risks, and alternatives to provide informed consent.
- Arranging for post-procedure transportation and support, as driving is not permitted.
Risks & possible complications
- Stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA) due to unintended embolization of normal brain arteries.
- Bleeding at the catheter insertion site in the groin or, rarely, in the brain.
- Infection at the access site or, very rarely, in the brain (abscess).
- Allergic reaction to the contrast dye or chemotherapeutic agents.
- Post-embolization syndrome: Temporary symptoms like fever, headache, nausea, and fatigue.
- Neurological deficits, such as weakness, speech difficulty, or vision changes, which may be temporary or permanent.
- Kidney injury from contrast dye (contrast-induced nephropathy).
- Failure to adequately treat the tumor or recurrence of tumor growth.
Recovery & hospital stay
- Immediate post-procedure monitoring in a recovery area for several hours to check vital signs and neurological status.
- Pressure is applied to the catheter insertion site to prevent bleeding; bed rest is required for a few hours.
- Hospital stay for observation, typically for 1-2 days, to manage pain, nausea, or post-embolization syndrome.
- Patients are advised to drink plenty of fluids to help flush the contrast dye from their kidneys.
- Avoidance of strenuous activities, heavy lifting, and driving for at least a week or as directed.
- Follow-up MRI scans are scheduled (e.g., at 4-6 weeks) to assess tumor response to the treatment.
- Coordination with oncology for any additional treatments, such as radiation or systemic therapy.
- Reporting any new or worsening symptoms like severe headache, fever, weakness, or seizures to the medical team immediately.
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Typical hospital stay: 1-3 days
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Expected recovery time: 1-2 weeks for initial recovery; 4-6 weeks for full assessment and return to normal activities
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are considering chemoembolization of malignant brain tumour in India, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.
Popular choices for chemoembolization of malignant brain tumour in India include Miot Hospital Chennai, Cytecare Hospital, Kamineni Hospital LB Nagar, Kamineni Hospital, King Koti, Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, known for experienced specialists and advanced surgical infrastructure.
Look at the doctor’s years of experience, hospital association, patient reviews, and how often they perform chemoembolization of malignant brain tumour. MediFyr helps you compare neurosurgeons and book consultations online.
The overall cost depends on hospital category, surgeon’s experience, room type, implant or device used (if any), length of stay, tests, and post-operative care. Our team can help you get cost estimates from multiple hospitals before you decide.
Procedure cost in other countries
Here is an overview of how the estimated cost, hospital stay, and recovery time for chemoembolization of malignant brain tumour compare across other countries where we have data.
| Country | Estimated cost range | Typical stay | Recovery time | View details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| India | INR 250 Thousand – 600 Thousand | 1-3 days | ~ 1-2 weeks for initial recovery; 4-6 weeks for full assessment and return to normal activities | Know More |
| Turkey | TRY 875 Thousand – 2.1 Million | 1-3 days | ~ 1-2 weeks for initial recovery; 4-6 weeks for full assessment and return to normal activities | Know More |
Top hospitals for Chemoembolization of Malignant Brain Tumour in India
These partner hospitals in India have dedicated neurosurgery teams and experience managing patients undergoing chemoembolization of malignant brain tumour.
Sneha Chopra, a 42-year-old architect and...
Sneha Chopra, a 42-year-old architect and mother of two young children, had always been the family's anchor. Her world shifted when persistent, worsening headaches and a sudden episode of blurred vision led to an MRI. The scan revealed a small but aggressive malignant glioma in her left temporal lobe, dangerously close to critical language areas. A biopsy confirmed a grade 3 anaplastic astrocytoma. Standard surgery was deemed too risky due to the tumour's eloquent location. Her neurosurgeon, Dr. Mehta, recommended chemoembolization, a minimally invasive procedure that would deliver high-dose chemotherapy directly to the tumour while blocking its blood supply, aiming to shrink it and preserve her cognitive function. During the procedure, Sneha was under conscious sedation, feeling pressure but no pain as the microcatheter navigated through her arteries. The emotional weight was immense; her fear was less for herself and more for her children's future. Post-procedure, she experienced fatigue and some nausea for a week. Follow-up scans six weeks later showed a significant 40% reduction in tumour size, with no damage to surrounding brain tissue. The emotional relief was profound. While the journey isn't over, Sneha feels a renewed sense of hope and control. She is back managing small projects from home, cherishing clear-headed moments with her family, and facing her ongoing treatment with a fortified spirit.
Neurosurgeons for Chemoembolization of Malignant Brain Tumour
Explore experienced neurosurgeons who regularly perform chemoembolization of malignant brain tumour and provide pre- and post-operative care in India.
- 18 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai
- 22 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore
- 13 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore
- 10 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore
- 9 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore
- 9 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore
- 11 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore
- 9 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore
- 8 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore
- 8 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore
- 21 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
Manipal Hospital Whitefield, Bangalore
- 29 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 21 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 19 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 20 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 17 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
Manipal Hospital Patiala, Patiala
- 13 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
Manipal Hospital Patiala, Patiala
- 17 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
Manipal Hospital Mysore, Mysore
- 15 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
Manipal Hospital Vijayawada, vijayawada
- 14 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
Manipal Hospital Vijayawada, vijayawada