All patients and caregivers have different experiences with brain cancer treatment. For example, some patients may tolerate chemotherapy and can continue the prescribed dose and frequency. Others may have too many side effects and need a change in their treatment plan. Side effects from brain cancer treatment, even minor, can have a large impact on your life and family dynamics, so do not underestimate the importance of partnering with your medical team.
It is important for both the patient and caregiver to discuss any changes they see during treatment with their physician and have an open dialogue throughout treatment. The physicians involved with the CERN Foundation, known as CERN Members, are experienced in treating brain tumor patients and are aware of the potential side effects and how to best treat them. You are welcome to contact a CERN Member with questions you may have that were not addressed here. You can also log in to our message boards to connect with medical providers and CERN Members.
Each type of treatment comes with its own set of side effects. In some cases, the side effects are extreme but it is important to understand the serious nature of brain tumor treatment.
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Brain Tumor Surgery Side Effects
- Neurologic deficits
- Bleeding
- Blood clots
- Infection
- Stroke
- Seizure
- Swelling of the brain
- CSF (cerebrospinal fluid) leak
- Nerve damage
- Paralysis of muscles
- Wound (surgical incision) healing problems
These side effects can be minimized when procedures are performed in specialized centers where an experienced neuro-oncology team, working in the most technologically advanced settings, can provide the most extensive resections while preserving normal brain tissue.
Chemotherapy Side Effects
Because chemotherapy is designed to affect fast-growing cells, rapidly dividing normal cells such as hair follicles, bone marrow and stomach cells are often afflicted with side effects such as:
- Baldness
- Nausea/Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Low blood counts
- Low red blood cells (anemia): fatigue
- Low white blood cells (leucopenia or neutropenia): risk of infection
- Low platelet count (thrombocytopenia): risk of bleeding
Chemotherapy can also cause fatigue due to anemia, as well as fever and infection, because the immune system is weakened by the medicine. These side effects can be effectively managed under most circumstances with standard medical approaches.
Radiotherapy Side Effects
Radiation therapy often produces inflammation, which can temporarily intensify symptoms and dysfunction. Steroids are sometimes necessary to control this inflammation. Patients who receive radiation therapy to the head may experience these side effects:
- Redness and irritation in the mouth
- Dry mouth
- Difficulty swallowing
- Changes in or loss of taste
- Nausea
- Jaw stiffness
- Fatigue
- Hairloss
Other side effects may include:
- Earaches
- Swelling
- Skin texture changes
These side effects can be effectively managed under most circumstances with standard medical approaches.
Side Effects in Pediatric Patients
Children experience additional side effects because of their developing bodies. Radiation may provoke these side effects in young patients:
Brain damage, causing learning problems or slow growth and development
Increased risk of developing brain tumors later in life
Researchers are studying chemotherapy as an alternative to radiation therapy in children with brain tumors. Finding the delicate balance between giving enough therapy to eliminate the brain cancer, but not so much as to damage healthy cells and cause unnecessary side effects is one of the most difficult challenges in treating brain tumors in children.