Have Grade IV Brain Cancer. Should I Go For Operation Or Chemotherapy?

Posted on Mon, 4 Mar 2013

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Mon, 4 Mar 2013 Answered on

Wed, 27 Mar 2013 Last reviewed on

Question : my cousin has a WHO Grade IV brain cancer , should i get her operated or straightway start chemo therapy

Answered by Dr. Sudhir Kumar (14 minutes later)

Hi,

Thank you for posting your query.

Grade IV tumor of brain (high grade glioma) does not have very good prognosis in the long term.

Surgery has already been done for your cousin, as per the discharge summary.

At this stage, she would require radiation therapy with chemotherapy.

Please get in touch with her oncologist for the treatment planning.

Best wishes,
Dr Sudhir Kumar MD DM (Neurology) XXXXXXX Consultant Neurologist
Apollo Hospitals, Hyderabad

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Sudhir Kumar (40 hours later)

Between Hinduja ( mumbai ) and Tata Memorial Hospital ( mumbai ), which hospital has a better success rate and besides hospital formalities and medication , what other preparation/ preparedness.. we as a family need to do before she undergoes Radiation and Chemo , in terms of mental and health fitness ?

Answered by Dr. Sudhir Kumar (2 hours later)

Thank you for getting back.

In my opinion, Tata Memorial Hospital has a better reputation and expertise for treating cancers, however, Hinduja is a very good multi-speciality hospital. So, you may opt for TMH.

There is no special prepraredness, except to keep the patient in good and positive spirits about the illness and chances of recovery. Also, a good and healthy diet is important.

Best wishes,
Dr Sudhir Kumar MD DM (Neurology)

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar