Ependymoma — Radiotherapy: treatment in the Best Hospitals of Germany
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Department of Radiation Therapy and Radiation Oncology
The Department of Radiation Therapy and Radiation Oncology offers all types of modern radiation therapy for the highly effective treatment of benign and malignant tumors. The department has three linear accelerators and systems for brachytherapy, with the help of which the patients are provided with the safest, most effective and most sparing irradiation of tissues affected by oncopathology. The department's tasks also include radiation therapy planning and radiosurgery. An ultramodern technical base, exceptional professionalism and experience of the department's doctors are the cornerstone of the successful clinical practice.
University Hospital of Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich
Department of Radiation Therapy
The Department of Radiation Therapy offers all modern services in the field of radiation therapy for cancer treatment. The medical facility uses advanced radiation therapy methods, including intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT), volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT), image-guided radiation therapy, brain and lung stereotactic radiosurgery, total body irradiation, brachytherapy, and catheter-based administration of radioactive drugs (afterloading technique). The department is one of the first medical facilities in Germany to successfully use the innovative MR-Linac technology, which makes it possible to obtain high-precision MRI scans during radiation therapy and provide the most effective cancer treatment with optimal protection of the healthy adjacent tissues. It is noteworthy that MR-Linac technology is available only in three healthcare facilities in Germany. The department's radiation therapists cooperate closely with oncologists, chemotherapists, radiologists, and other specialists from related fields, thanks to which patients receive comprehensive treatment.
Department of Radiation Therapy
According to the Focus magazine, the Department of Radiation Therapy ranks among the top German medical facilities in the area of its specialization! The department offers all types of modern radiation therapy for cancer treatment at the highest level of university medicine. The priorities of the department's work include the treatment of tumors of the gastrointestinal tract, urogenital system in men, gynecological tumors in women, oncopathologies of the nervous system, as well as head and neck tumors. Each department's specialist strives to ensure all the patients with the most effective and at the same time customized treatment. Due attention is also paid to radiation protection.
Department of Radiation Therapy, Radiation Oncology and Proton Therapy
The Department of Radiation Therapy, Radiation Oncology and Proton Therapy offers the full range of modern radiation therapy at the highest medical and technological level. Innovative proton therapy is also within the competence of the medical facility. As the largest medical facility of this kind in Eastern Saxony, the department annually admits about 2,300 cancer patients, 550 of whom are treated on an inpatient basis. In total, the department has about 110 employees, including 26 doctors, 14 physicists, 22 radiological assistants, 22 nurses and 28 employees of various profiles (in radiation biology research laboratories and other sections). The department's doctors cooperate closely with oncologists, chemotherapists and other specialists in related fields, since cancer patients usually require comprehensive treatment that combines several methods. In most cases, patients undergo radiation therapy on an outpatient basis, which eliminates the need for hospitalization. The main value of the department's medical team is the patient's health, so doctors always strive to provide qualified medical care that meets the individual needs of the patient.
Department of Adult and Pediatric Radiation Therapy
According to the Focus magazine, the Department of Adult and Pediatric Radiation Therapy ranks among the top German medical facilities specializing in radiation therapy! The department offers all types of radiation therapy for the treatment of various oncological diseases at the highest level of university medicine. The cancer patients are treated in modern rooms equipped with the state-of-art technology. In many cases, the radiation therapy is carried out on an outpatient basis. The therapeutic options are complemented with psycho-oncological and palliative care.
Department of Adult and Pediatric Radiation Therapy
The Department of Adult and Pediatric Radiation Therapy provides top-class conduction of all types of modern radiation therapy for the treatment of malignant and benign diseases. In most cases, irradiation is indicated to patients with cancers, but this treatment method is also effective for some benign diseases: tennis elbow, arthrosis, as well as other degenerative and inflammatory joint diseases. The department's doctors offer patients individual consultations and radiation therapy using the very latest medical technologies, which guarantee high precision of irradiation and sparing treatment. The department provides many innovative types of radiation therapy, which can effectively deal with all types of cancer. In addition, the department's doctors welcome the use of symptomatic treatment to improve the patients' quality of life and the effectiveness of irradiation. The specialists often resort to traditional Chinese medicine, acupuncture and other procedures.
Department of Adult and Pediatric Radiation Therapy, Radiation Oncology
According to the Focus magazine, the Department of Adult and Pediatric Radiation Therapy, Radiation Oncology is included in the rating of the top German departments specializing in radiation therapy! The department offers the full range of treatment of oncological diseases using ionizing radiation by means of external (teletherapy) or internal (brachytherapy) tumor radiation. The specialists of the department are doing their best to ensure the most effective cancer therapy, taking into account the very latest advances in science and medical technology, interdisciplinary cooperation and an individual approach.
Department of Radiation Therapy and Radiation Oncology
According to the the Focus magazine, the Department of Radiation Therapy and Radiation Oncology ranks among the top German medical facilities specializing in radiation therapy! The department offers all types of modern radiation therapy for the treatment of malignant neoplasms of various localization. The availability of the cutting-edge radiation therapy technologies, the close cooperation with the specialists from all related disciplines, as well as the experience and competence of doctors provide patients with the individualized treatment and the best therapy results. The department is also part of the Jena University Cancer Center, which employs outstanding professionals who are ready to provide medical care even in the most difficult clinical cases.
Department of Radiation Therapy
According to the Focus magazine, the Department of Radiation Therapy is included in the ranking of the top German department specializing in radiation therapy! The department offers all types of modern radiation therapy for the treatment of cancers. The competent medical team of the department annually provides its services to 2,000 patients.
Department of Adult and Pediatric Radiation Therapy, Ion Radiotherapy and Radiation Oncology
The Department of Adult and Pediatric Radiation Therapy, Ion Radiotherapy and Radiation Oncology offers the full range of radiological diagnostics and cancer therapy. A feature of the department is the exact treatment of cancer with the help of heavy ions and proton therapy. Therapy with heavy ions and protons makes it possible to effectively destroy tumors of difficult-to-reach localization, while maintaining healthy tissues. The department belongs to the most modern medical institutions of this level in the international medical arena. It treats more than 3,500 cancer patients every year.
Department of Radiation Therapy and Radiation Oncology
According to the Focus magazine, the Department of Radiation Therapy and Radiation Oncology ranks among the top German departments specializing in radiotherapy! The department offers all types of modern radiation therapy for the treatment of malignant and benign diseases, various functional disorders. Depending on the patient's state of health and the course of the disease, radiation therapy can be carried out on an outpatient or inpatient basis, as well as in combination with other treatment methods, for example, surgery, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, etc. The high-tech equipment, exceptional professionalism of doctors and close cooperation with the specialists from related fields contribute to the provision of first-class and tailored medical care.
Department of Radiation Oncology
According to the Focus magazine, the Department of Radiation Oncology ranks among the top German departments specializing in radiation therapy! The department offers all advanced types of radiation therapy for the treatment of oncological diseases. Any therapeutic procedure is prescribed individually, taking into account the specific situation and course of pathology. The modern medical equipment and outstanding competence of the physicians contribute to the successful clinical practice of the department.
Department of Adult and Pediatric Diagnostic Radiology, Interventional Radiology, Neuroradiology and Radiation Therapy
The Department of Adult and Pediatric Diagnostic Radiology, Interventional Radiology, Neuroradiology and Radiation Therapy offers the full range of services in these medical fields. The competent doctors of the department work with the state-of-the-art systems for CT, MRI, x-ray, ultrasound, angiography, fluoroscopy and other imaging studies in adults and children. In addition, the department specializes in all modern types of radiation therapy and interventional procedures for the treatment of vascular and oncological diseases.
Department of Adult and Pediatric Radiation Therapy
According to the Focus magazine, the Department of Adult and Pediatric Radiation Therapy ranks among the top German departments specializing in radiation therapy! The department offers all types of modern radiation therapy for the treatment of various benign and malignant diseases. The focus is on multimodal interdisciplinary therapy of lung cancer, breast cancer, prostate cancer, sarcomas, malignant lymphomas and tumors in children. The stereotactic radiation therapy is available in the department for the targeted treatment of brain tumors. The department treats more than 1,500 inpatients and about 4,300 outpatients every year, which is the indisputable evidence of the outstanding quality of provided medical services.
Department of Radiotherapy and Radiation Oncology
The Department of Radiotherapy and Radiation Oncology offers all modern methods of radiotherapy. It treats patients with oncological diseases, as well as benign pathologies, for example, degenerative joint changes. The department specializes in conformal radiation therapy, brachytherapy, intensity modulated radiation therapy, tomotherapy, stereotactic irradiation of malignant and benign brain neoplasms, whole-body irradiation, as well as in combined chemoradiation therapy.
Department of Radiation Therapy
The Department of Radiation Therapy provides patients with the full range of services in this medical field. The primary focus of the department's clinical practice is the conduction of modern types of radiation therapy for treating malignant diseases. The department's specialists also successfully carry out combination treatments, such as radioimmunotherapy and chemoradiotherapy. The department is part of the Cancer Center at the University Hospital Saarland Homburg, which allows radiation therapists to cooperate closely with oncologists, surgeons, and other specialists, providing comprehensive cancer treatment. The department's team of doctors also treats patients with some benign inflammatory diseases. The department's patients most often receive outpatient medical care. There are 24 beds available to accommodate patients in the department. The pride of the department is the advanced technical equipment that allows the specialists to perform high-precision and efficient irradiation. The treatment takes place in a modern building, in the design of which great importance was attached to creating a comfortable environment for the patient. The department admits more than 1,500 patients who receive high-quality European-level treatment every year.
An ependymoma is a group of tumors originating from ependymal cells that line the ventricles of the brain and the central canal of the spinal cord. Ependymomas most commonly develop in the lower region of the spinal cord, including the conus medullaris and cauda equina. Occasionally, neoplasms can be detected in the cervical or thoracic spinal cord. They are classified into three grades (benign, intermediate, and malignant), more often affecting children, but they can develop at any age. The tumor treatment in Germany is carried out with surgery and radiation therapy. You can find out prices for treatment at German hospitals on the Booking Health website.
Content
- When can radiation therapy be used for ependymomas?
- What methods of radiation therapy for ependymomas are used in Germany?
- Proton therapy for ependymomas
- Where to undergo your ependymoma treatment?
When can radiation therapy be used for ependymomas?
Treatment of ependymomas begins with surgery whenever possible. This is the most effective treatment method. If surgeons are successful in completely removing the tumor, it rarely recurs. Surgery may be the only treatment required for a patient, but, in some cases, radiation therapy may also be indicated.
Indications for radiation therapy are the following:
- postoperative irradiation of patients with grade 3 neoplasms;
- ependymoma recurrence;
- residual tumor (incomplete ependymoma removal during surgery);
- postoperative irradiation of myxopapillary ependymomas in patients under 20 years of age;
- contraindications to surgery (in this case, radiation therapy can be used as the main method of local tumor control).
The prognosis for the risk of recurrence and patient survival depends on the histological type of the tumor, the patient's age, and the extent of resection surgery. Depending on these conditions, the tactics of postoperative treatment may also change. As a rule, the removal of malignant tumors is always followed by irradiation. As for benign tumors, radiation therapy after their removal may be indicated only if there is a residual tumor. With regard to intermediate types of ependymoma (grade 2), treatment tactics have not been finally determined due to the rarity of the tumor. Consequently, the decision is made individually. Today, medicine has no data on whether postoperative radiation therapy improves the survival of patients after total resection of grade 2 ependymomas.
What methods of radiation therapy for ependymomas are used in Germany?
If you had surgery at the German Neurosurgery Center, you may be provided with adjuvant radiation therapy. Doctors in Germany use the latest irradiation methods on state-of-the-art linear accelerators. They are very accurate and sparing for healthy tissues, rarely leading to any post-radiation complications.
3D conformal radiation therapy, IMRT (intensity-modulated radiation therapy), IGRT (image-guided radiation therapy), and VMAT (volumetric modulated arc therapy) are available in Germany. IMRT allows for safe irradiation of tumors located near functionally important areas, reducing the dose of radiation to sensitive healthy tissues. VMAT allows for irradiating not only more accurately but also faster.
In standard cases, irradiation lasts about a month and a half. The total dose of radiation is divided into 30-33 fractions. Sometimes irradiation can be completed faster. If the tumor is benign, has clear boundaries, and is located away from the functionally important areas of the spinal cord and brain, doctors may use SBRT (stereotactic body radiation therapy). With its help, doctors can simultaneously deliver large doses of radiation to the target. As a result, the treatment takes less time because the tumor or its remnants can be destroyed in just a few sessions.
Proton therapy for ependymomas
Proton therapy is available at six hospitals in Germany. Three of them use this treatment option not only for intracranial tumors but also for other tumors, including spinal cord neoplasms.
Proton therapy has a unique property, namely that it spares healthy tissues since protons emit almost no radiation on their way to the tumor. The tissues behind the target are not irradiated at all. With proton therapy, doctors manage to destroy ependymomas while preserving normal spinal cord tissue.
Proton therapy is most often used in children, as it is very important for them to minimize exposure to their growing spinal cord. It is safer than conventional photon irradiation and possibly more efficient, but the cost of proton irradiation is higher. Recent clinical trials show that doctors achieve better results with proton therapy than those described for photon therapy.
In 2020, a clinical trial was published in which 12 patients (mean age 13.5 years) received proton irradiation for their spinal myxopapillary ependymomas. Postoperative irradiation was given to 5 of them, and 7 of them received proton therapy for recurrence. During the 5 years of follow-up, only one patient had a tumor recurrence, and it was in an area that was not exposed to radiation.
In 2021, another clinical trial was published, in which 14 children with grade 2-3 non-metastatic non-myxopapillary spinal ependymomas took part. In all cases, it was postoperative irradiation. In 11 people, the tumor was completely removed, and in 3 people, it was almost completely removed. During a follow-up period of 1.5 to 14.8 years, not a single recurrence was noted. Only one case of the development of complications from radiation therapy caused by irradiation of the spinal cord was registered.
Most trials show that proton therapy is a highly effective and safe irradiation method. According to its results, the best survival rates were achieved. Most patients recover after surgery and proton therapy, including those with recurrent ependymomas and malignant tumors that did not spread metastases at the time of the operation.
Where to undergo your ependymoma treatment?
You can undergo your treatment for this disease at one of the Neurosurgery Centers in Germany. It starts with surgery, but some patients will also need radiation therapy. Radiation therapy at German hospitals has the following benefits:
- state-of-the-art equipment;
- a lower risk of post-radiation complications;
- a higher probability of complete tumor destruction;
- a lower risk of disease recurrence after the completion of treatment;
- successful treatment of even large, malignant, and recurrent ependymomas;
- several hospitals in Germany use proton therapy, which is the best method for treating children and young patients;
- prices in Germany are lower than in other developed countries such as the United States, Japan, and the United Kingdom.
You can find out the cost of treatment in Germany on the Booking Health website, compare prices, and choose a medical care program. The cost of treatment for you will be lower than if you contact the Neurosurgery Center directly. Prices will be reduced due to the absence of taxes for foreign patients.
When you choose a medical care program through the Booking Health service, you will receive insurance against expenses that are not provided for by the program. This means that the initial price will not increase even if additional procedures are required.
Our company's specialists will take care of organizing your treatment in Germany. We will select a hospital for you in Germany, book a hotel and airline tickets, meet you at the airport, and take you to the Neurosurgery Center by car. We will also provide you with interpreting services and support you during the entire period of your stay abroad.
Authors:
The article was edited by medical experts, board certified doctors Dr. Nadezhda Ivanisova and Dr. Sergey Pashchenko. For the treatment of the conditions referred to in the article, you must consult a doctor; the information in the article is not intended for self-medication!
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