Astrocytoma Treatment in India

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Astrocytoma Treatment in India
Surgery
$ 6,000 - 8,000
Radiation Therapy
$4,000-6,000
Chemotherapy
$1,000-1,500
Targeted Therapy
$1,200-2,500

India has emerged as a global destination for high-quality, affordable treatment for Astrocytoma, a type of brain tumor that originates from Astrocytes. With access to world-class neurosurgeons, advanced medical technologies, and state-of-the-art cancers, patients receive comprehensive, evidence-based care. The cost of astrocytoma treatment in India ranges between USD 10,000 to 15,000, significantly lower than in countries like the USA (USD 80,000 to 150,000) or Thailand (USD 22,000 to 25,000), without compromising on quality or outcomes.

Treatment plans are customized based on the grade and location of the tumor, combining surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapies, and tumor-treating fields. With a high success rate, especially for low-grade tumors, India offers not only medical excellence but also international patient support services including visa assistance, multilingual care coordinators, and affordable accommodation. Whether you’re an Indian citizen or traveling from abroad, India’s oncology infrastructure ensures seamless care, faster recovery, and world-renowned expertise at a fraction of the cost.

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What is Astrocytoma?

Astrocytoma is a kind of brain tumor which is originated from astrocytes, the star-shaped glial cells in the human brain and spinal cord. These tumors can be benign or malignant and are classified based on their aggressiveness and growth rate. Astrocytomas are a subset of gliomas and can affect individuals of all ages, though certain types are more prevalent in children or adults.

What are the types and Grades of Astrocytoma ?

In general Astrocytomas are categorized into four major grades by the World Health Organization (WHO):

  • Grade I ( Pilocytic Astrocytoma ): It generally benign and slow-growing, often occurr in children or young adults. Surgical removal often leads to a cure.
  • Grade II (Diffuse Astrocytoma): Infiltrative and slow-growing but can progress to higher grades over time.
  • Grade III (Anaplastic Astrocytoma): Malignant and faster-growing, requiring aggressive treatment.
  • Grade IV (Glioblastoma Multiforme): The most aggressive and common malignant primary brain tumor in adults, with rapid growth and poor prognosis.

What are the Common Symptoms of Astrocytoma?

The common Symptoms of Astrocytoma are:

  • Headaches: It often worsen in the morning or when lying down.
  • Seizures: New-onset seizures are a common presenting symptom.
  • Cognitive or Personality Changes: Memory problems, confusion, or changes in behavior.
  • Neurological Deficits: Numbness, Weakness, or difficulty with coordination and balance.
  • Visual Disturbances: Double vision, loss of peripheral or blurred vision.

How is astrocytoma diagnosed?

  • Neurological Examination: Sensory function, Assessment of motor skills, and reflexes.

Imaging Studies:

  • MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging): Provides detailed images of brain structures and is the preferred imaging modality.
  • CT Scan (Computed Tomography): Useful in emergency settings to detect bleeding or calcifications.
  • Biopsy: It is the procedure of of Surgical removal of a tissue sample to determine the tumor type and grade.
  • Molecular Testing: Identification of genetic mutations (e.g., IDH1/2, 1p/19q co-deletion) to guide prognosis and treatment.

Classification of Astrocytomas (WHO 2021 CNS Classification)

Grade Type Behavior Common Location
Grade I Pilocytic Astrocytoma Benign, slow-growing Cerebellum (children)
Grade II Diffuse Astrocytoma (IDH-mutant) Infiltrative, slow Cerebral hemispheres
Grade III Anaplastic Astrocytoma (IDH-mutant) Malignant, faster-growing Cerebrum
Grade IV Glioblastoma (IDH-wildtype) Highly malignant Frontal/temporal lobes
Grade IV Astrocytoma (IDH-mutant, Grade 4) Aggressive (in IDH mutant context) Cerebrum

Note: The presence of IDH mutation, MGMT methylation, and 1p/19q codeletion significantly affects treatment response and prognosis.

 

Astrocytoma Treatment Protocol

A. Grade I – Pilocytic Astrocytoma

  • Surgery: Complete resection is curative in most cases.
  • No adjuvant therapy needed if gross total resection (GTR)
  • Radiation/Chemotherapy only for:
    • Incomplete resection
    • Recurrence
    • Inaccessible locations (brainstem, optic pathway)

Chemotherapy agents (for children):

  • Vincristine + Carboplatin or Temozolomide

B. Grade II – Diffuse Astrocytoma (IDH-mutant)

  • Surgery: Maximal safe resection
  • Adjuvant Therapy:
  • Observation (for small tumors, <40 yrs, gross resection, no symptoms)
  • Radiation therapy + chemotherapy for:
    • Age >40
    • Subtotal resection
    • Neurological symptoms

Chemo Regimens:

  • PCV (Procarbazine, Lomustine [CCNU], Vincristine) – preferred
  • Temozolomide – alternative

C. Grade III – Anaplastic Astrocytoma (IDH-mutant)

  • Surgery: Maximal safe resection
  • Radiation: 59.4–60 Gy in 30 fractions
  • Chemotherapy:
    • Concurrent + adjuvant Temozolomide
    • PCV as an alternative if MGMT unmethylated

Monitoring:

  • MRI every 3 months post-treatment

D. Grade IV – Glioblastoma / IDH-Wildtype Astrocytoma Grade 4

  • Surgery: Maximal safe resection or biopsy
  • Radiation + Concurrent Temozolomide (Stupp Protocol)
    • 60 Gy in 30 fractions + Temozolomide (75 mg/m² daily)
    • Followed by 6 cycles of Temozolomide (150–200 mg/m² × 5 days every 28 days)

Targeted Options / Trials:

  • Tumor-Treating Fields (Optune)
  • Bevacizumab (anti-VEGF) in recurrent cases
  • Clinical trials: Checkpoint inhibitors, IDH inhibitors, vaccine therapies

Recurrent or Progressive Astrocytoma

  • Re-operation (if feasible)
  • Re-irradiation (selected patients)
  • Bevacizumab ± irinotecan
  • Lomustine or PCV for recurrent low- or intermediate-grade
  • Enrollment in clinical trials

Follow-Up Protocol

Timeline Monitoring Tools
Every 3 months MRI Brain with contrast
Every 6–12 months Cognitive & neurologic exams
Annually Endocrine, vision, quality-of-life assessments (for pediatric cases)

Supportive & Palliative Care

  • Antiepileptics: For seizure control (e.g., levetiracetam)
  • Steroids: Dexamethasone for cerebral edema
  • Physiotherapy and Neuro-rehab
  • Psychological counseling
  • Palliative oncology referral for end-stage GBM

Prognosis (Survival Overview)

Grade Median Survival
Grade I >10 years (curable)
Grade II 5–10 years
Grade III 2–5 years
Grade IV 12–18 months (GBM)

Note: IDH mutation and MGMT methylation are favorable prognostic markers.

What Causes AT/RT and Who is at Risk?

The exact cause of AT/RT is unknown, but most cases involve genetic mutations that are not inherited but occur randomly. However, in some children, inherited mutations in SMARCB1 or SMARCA4 genes may predispose them to AT/RT.

Risk Factors:

  • Age under 3 years
  • Family history of rhabdoid tumors (rare)
  • Presence of genetic mutations in tumor suppressor genes

Astrocytoma Treatment Options

The treatment strategies depend on the location, tumor's grade, and the patient's overall health.

1. Surgery

  • Objective: Maximal safe resection of the tumor to alleviate symptoms and obtain tissue for diagnosis.
  • Craniotomy: To access and remove the tumor, surgical opening of the skull.
  • Awake Craniotomy: Performed while the patient is awake to monitor neurological functions during tumor removal.
  • Endoscopic Surgery: Minimally invasive approach using an endoscope for tumors in accessible locations.

2. Radiation Therapy

  • Purpose: To destroy residual tumor cells post-surgery or as a primary treatment when surgery isn't feasible.
  • External Beam Radiation Therapy (EBRT): Standard method delivering radiation from outside the body.
  • Stereotactic Radiosurgery (SRS): Precise, high-dose radiation targeting the tumor while sparing healthy tissue.

3. Chemotherapy

  • Function: It utilizes drugs to kill or inhibit the growth of cancer cells.
  • Temozolomide (TMZ): An oral chemotherapy agent commonly used for high-grade astrocytomas.
  • Combination Therapy: The Chemotherapy in conjunction with radiation therapy for the enhanced effectiveness.

4. Tumor-Treating Fields (TTF)

  • Mechanism: Delivers low-intensity, alternating electric fields to disrupt cancer cell division.
  • Usage: Approved for treating glioblastoma multiforme, often in combination with chemotherapy.

5. Targeted Therapy and Immunotherapy

  • Targeted Therapy: Drugs designed to target specific genetic mutations within tumor cells.
  • Immunotherapy: It Stimulates the body's immune system so that it can recognize and attack cancer cells in the body.

Why choose Dr. Ankur Bahl?

Dr. Ankur Bahl Specialist in Brain Tumor Treatment, is a renowned medical oncologist specializing in neuro-oncology. With extensive experience in treating various brain tumors, including astrocytomas, he is known for his patient-centric approach and utilization of advanced treatment modalities. Dr. Bahl offers comprehensive care to both domestic and international patients.

Support Services for International and Indian Patients

Indian hospitals provide comprehensive support to ensure a seamless treatment experience:

  • Medical Visa Assistance: Guidance through the visa application process.
  • Language Interpreters: Various Multilingual staff to assist non-English speaking patients are provided all time.
  • Accommodation Arrangements: Assistance in finding suitable lodging near the hospital is provided.
  • Transportation Services: Airport pickups and local travel arrangements.
  • Post-Treatment Follow-Up: Regular check-ins and remote consultations post-discharge.

Astrocytoma Treatment Cost in India vs Abroad

India offers cost-effective treatment options without compromising on quality.

Treatment Component India (USD) Turkey (USD) USA (USD)
Brain Surgery (Craniotomy) $4,000 – $8,000 $7,000 – $12,000 $40,000 – $70,000
Awake Craniotomy $7,000 – $10,000 $10,000 – $15,000 $60,000 – $90,000
Radiation Therapy (IMRT)      $5000     $15000 $30,000 - $50,000
Radiation IGRT      $6000     $15000 $30,000 - $50,000
Radiation V-MAT      $6500      $15000 $30,000 - $50,000
Chemotherapy (Temozolomide) $700 - $1500 $1000 - $2000 $10,000 - $50000
Diagnostics (MRI, Tests) $500 – $1,000 $800 – $1,200 $3,000 – $6,000

Frequently Asked Questions

Success rates vary by tumor grade. Low-grade astrocytomas have higher success rates, especially with complete surgical removal. High-grade tumors require multimodal treatment, and outcomes depend on various factors, including patient health and response to therapy.

Typically, patients stay in the hospital for 3–5 days post-surgery, followed by outpatient follow-ups and rehabilitation as needed.

Indian hospitals have implemented stringent safety protocols to protect patients and staff. It's advisable to consult with the chosen hospital regarding current travel advisories and safety measures.

While standard treatments include surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy, some patients may explore clinical trials or complementary therapies. It's essential to discuss these options with the treating oncologist.
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