Anadolu Medical Center Pathology Specialist Prof. Dr. Önder Öngürü said that with the latest technology, there are significant developments in the diagnosis and treatment of brain tumors. Öngürü said, “Thanks to the latest technology and new methods we use for diagnosis, treatment is now planned according to the targets in the patient's tumor. Treatments are now tailored to the individual, just as a tailor sews a custom garment for you. This increases the success of the treatment. All these treatments are planned thanks to the information provided by the pathology specialists.” made a statement.
Pointing out that the most important developments have been experienced in the diagnosis and treatment of brain tumors in recent years, Anadolu Medical Center Pathology Specialist Prof. Dr. Önder Öngürü said, “In the 2000s, revealing the complete gene sequences of tumors, that is, revealing all the genetic changes in a tumor's DNA, was an important step. Next generation gene sequencing (NGS) has played an important role in detecting these genetic changes. The DNA of brain tumors was also analyzed in this way, revealing very different findings and almost completely changing their classification. Thus, we have a better understanding of the behavior of some brain tumors. With the revealing of molecular genetic changes, we are now able to recognize tumors better. All this information provided by the pathology contributed to the more effective treatment.”
It takes an average of 2 days to diagnose
Stating that patients and their relatives want to learn the pathology results as soon as possible, Prof. Dr. Önder Öngürü said, “We complete the investigation of most cases, including special staining methods and even molecular analyses, within an average of two days and report them. We also do additional molecular tests when we deem necessary.”
Noting that the patient's history, radiology results, information obtained from the light microscope and the findings added to them are all combined, Prof. Dr. Önder Öngürü continued as follows:
“Now we add to these the molecular genetic changes of the tumor. This is a review in which many parameters are taken into account. For brain tumors, it is important that the entire team is experienced and that the center is specialized in brain tumors. A holistic approach, in which many branches are involved, is very important, especially in cancer. In particular, the team that plays a role in the diagnosis and treatment of brain cancers should include a radiologist, neurologist, pathologist, surgeon, radiation oncologist and medical oncologist.
The risk of taking a biopsy from the brain for diagnosis is now very low
Underlining that the location of the tumor is important because the brain has a characteristic structure, Pathology Specialist Prof. Dr. Önder Öngürü said, “If the tumor is in the brain stem, it can be difficult to take a biopsy from here. However, if the tumor is on the outer surface of the membranes covering the brain, it may be easier to take tissue or remove the tumor. Tissue from brain tumors to pathology usually comes in two forms. The tumor can be removed by surgical procedure, or if the tumor is in a place where it cannot be removed, stereotactic biopsy can be taken. In stereotactic biopsy, the brain is entered with the imaging system, small pieces of tissue are taken and sent to the pathology department for examination. Thanks to the developing technology, all these procedures are performed using special neuronavigation systems in hybrid operating room conditions. The margin of error and risk are very low,” he said.
Metastatic cancers are more common in the brain
Stating that the most common metastatic tumors are seen in the brain, Prof. Dr. Önder Öngürü said, “We frequently come across tumors that are metastatic in the brain, that is, the spread of cancer elsewhere in our body to the brain. Lung and breast cancer are the most common tumors to the brain. Apart from metastatic tumors, there are also tumors of the brain that we call 'primary'. Among these, we frequently see tumors developing from the brain membranes and tumors of the cells that support the neurons in the brain.
Not all brain tumors are malignant
Saying that most people are afraid when it comes to "brain tumor", Prof. Dr. Önder Öngürü said, “This fear is both true and not true. Most tumors that develop from the meninges can be surgically removed or treated with radiotherapy. Most of the patients can lead a normal life. The chances of them recurring are low. Even if they relapse, they can be surgically removed or treated with radiotherapy. There are pilocytic astrocytomas among childhood brain tumors, and they usually progress well. Unfortunately, there are also malignant tumors. Tumors that we call glioblastoma and which we encounter frequently in elderly patients in practice progress very rapidly.