Early diagnosis of aggressive brain tumours rises across India, boosting survival by up to 50%: Experts

On World Brain Tumour Day (June 8), leading experts in neuro-oncology, neurosurgery, radiation oncology and medical oncology from across India reported significant advances in brain tumour diagnosis and treatment. According to the experts, survival outcomes in certain aggressive brain tumours have improved by up to 50% in some settings, while early diagnosis rates have increased by 30-40% in certain regions. They also noted that advances in diagnosis and treatment are helping more patients live longer and maintain a better quality of life.Specialists from Delhi-NCR, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Bihar and West Bengal said that advances in areas such as molecular diagnostics, AI-assisted imaging, neuronavigation-assisted surgery, precision radiation therapy and targeted therapies are helping improve the diagnosis and management of brain tumours. The experts noted that these developments are particularly relevant for gliomas, which are among the most challenging brain tumours to treat. According to experts, median survival for many high-grade glioma patients has improved from approximately 9–12 months to 14–18 months. At the same time, clinicians caution that delayed diagnosis continues to limit outcomes, with many patients reaching specialists only after symptoms have significantly progressed.Dr. Shyam Agarwal, Senior Consultant, Medical Oncology, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, New Delhi, said, “A brain tumour diagnosis should not be seen as the end, as tumours can be benign or malignant and many treatment options, including surgery, radiation, and targeted therapies, can control the disease and even offer a cure in some cases. Molecular testing, particularly comprehensive genome profiling (CGP), has become essential for all brain tumours, as identifying alterations such as IDH1 can help patients access precision treatments like Vorasidenib.”Dr. Tejinder Kataria, Chairperson, Radiation Oncology, Medanta, Gurugram, said, “Radiation oncology has evolved significantly, enabling precise tumour treatment while improving patients’ quality of life. Median survival has increased from 9–12 months to 14–18 months. For grade 3 and grade 4 gliomas, survival with neuronavigation and radiation is nearly 40% at two years, and about 5% of patients are living for 10 years. However, a major challenge in India is late referral to specialists, as symptoms such as headaches, hearing loss, or visual disturbances are often overlooked, underscoring the need for greater awareness.”While speaking to the Integrated Health and Wellbeing Council, experts noted that brain tumours account for a relatively small share of overall cancer cases in India but are associated with a significant mortality and treatment burden, particularly in malignant gliomas, where five-year survival rates remain below 30%. They emphasise that treatment increasingly involves repeated cycles of surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, imaging and long-term monitoring, making brain tumour care a prolonged medical and socioeconomic challenge.Dr. Nitin, Consultant Neurosurgeon at Bansal Hospital, Bhopal said, “Patients with malignant gliomas require ongoing treatment, including surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, imaging follow-ups, and sometimes costly medications for recurrence or complications. In cities like Bhopal, the combined cost of surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy averages Rs 5–6 lakh, excluding follow-up expenses. Families also face significant hidden costs, including repeated travel, radiation treatment stays of up to six weeks, and loss of income as caregivers often reduce or leave work. As a result, glioma is not only a medical condition but also a major long-term socioeconomic challenge for families.”From Mumbai, Dr. Bharat Bhosale of Bombay Hospital, reflects on the rapid evolution of neuro-oncology. He explains, “Treatment approaches have become increasingly sophisticated, driven by advances in diagnostics, imaging, and multidisciplinary care. The growing importance of molecular pathology and genomics in understanding tumour behaviour, including the identification of mutations that can guide targeted therapies. Modern neuro-oncology has entered a phase where precision treatment strategies are becoming standard practice, supported by improved radiation techniques and surgical technologies. However, the cost remains a limiting factor in widespread access to these advances, even as treatment options continue to expand.”Experts also point to major advances in imaging and diagnostics, including AI-assisted tools, digital imaging and neuronavigation systems.According to Dr. Rajiv Vijay Kumar, Oncologist of Global Hospital, Bengaluru, “Technological advances in imaging, digitalisation, neuronavigation, and surgical precision have significantly improved brain tumour diagnosis and treatment over the past decade. AI- and machine learning-based tools are increasingly helping clinicians differentiate tumour grades and distinguish tumours from infections and other brain conditions, improving diagnostic accuracy and clinical decision-making. Greater patient acceptance of advanced imaging and treatment protocols is also contributing to earlier detection and better outcomes.”According to Dr. Shekhar Kumar Keshri, Consultant Radiation Oncologist at Paras Health, Patna, “Many patients with brain tumours initially present with non-specific symptoms such as persistent headaches and are often treated for stress or migraine-like conditions, delaying diagnosis. Glioblastoma multiforme, a WHO Grade IV brain tumour, remains one of the most aggressive malignancies, with median survival typically ranging from 8 to 12 months. Early detection is critical, as delayed presentation significantly limits treatment options and worsens outcomes.”Dr. Anupam Datta, Consultant Radiation Oncologist at the Institute of Neurosciences, Kolkata, said, “Patients from states such as Assam, Nagaland, and Tripura often undergo multiple consultations before reaching a neuro-oncology centre, with symptoms like headaches or visual disturbances frequently leading to delays in neurological evaluation. While MRI can accurately detect even small brain lesions, valuable time is often lost before imaging is recommended or accessed. However, increased clinician and patient awareness has contributed to a 30–40% improvement in earlier diagnosis in recent years.”Experts further stress that one of the most overlooked warning signs of brain tumours is seizure activity, particularly late-onset seizures in adults.Dr. Roopesh Kumar of MGM Healthcare, Chennai, said, “Public perception often misjudges the link between headaches and brain tumours, leading to either unnecessary fear or delayed evaluation. While headaches are commonly attributed to stress or vision problems, seizures particularly late-onset seizures are among the most important early warning signs of a possible brain tumour. Even a single seizure episode should be promptly investigated with imaging, as it may be the first detectable sign of an underlying tumour.”From a global research perspective, experts say glioma treatment is increasingly moving toward precision oncology, immunotherapy and next-generation cellular therapies.Dr. Pranav Sopory, Medical and Patient Affairs Director, Servier India, said, “Glioma is no longer a one-size-fits-all disease and is increasingly driven by precision oncology, requiring testing for biomarkers such as IDH1/2, MGMT, and 1P19. Emerging approaches, including immunotherapies and CAR T-cell therapies, are showing promising results and could improve outcomes for glioma patients. Strengthening India’s clinical trial ecosystem, expanding support through schemes like Ayushman Bharat, and encouraging multidisciplinary care will be key to ensuring earlier access to innovative treatments.”Experts note that expanding access to molecular diagnostics, genomic testing, clinical research and multidisciplinary care will be critical to ensuring that more patients benefit from emerging innovations.Doctors concluded that while not all headaches are brain tumours, persistent neurological symptoms such as recurrent headaches, seizures, vision changes, vomiting, speech difficulties, weakness, imbalance or other focal neurological deficits should never be ignored. They emphasise that greater awareness, faster referral pathways, earlier imaging, wider access to molecular testing and stronger multidisciplinary care models will be critical to further improving survival and quality of life for brain tumour patients across India.Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in the story are independent professional judgments of the doctors/experts, and TIL does not take any responsibility for the accuracy of their views. This should not be considered a substitute for medical advice. Please consult your treating physician for more details. This article has been produced on behalf of Vyomeen by Times Internet’s Spotlight team