Chemotherapy and Radiotherapy for Glioblastoma (brain Cancer) treatment in Germany
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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.
Department of Radiation Therapy
The Department of Radiation Therapy offers the full range of irradiation procedures for benign and malignant diseases. The department has advanced equipment and highly qualified personnel, which allows providing patients with medical services meeting the highest international standards. The department's specialists have two Varian linear accelerators with a built-in CT scanner with a conical beam and RapidArc technology, Siemens Somatom Definition AS CT scanner for radiation therapy planning, Varian GammaMed iX system for contact radiation therapy using the afterloading technique, Zeiss IntraBeam X-ray therapy device for intraoperative radiation therapy for breast cancer, X-Strahl 200 X-ray therapy device, Varian device for precise positioning of patients before radiation therapy and other equipment. State-of-the-art equipment guarantees high-precision irradiation with minimal damage to healthy tissues. Cancer treatment is of particular interest to the team of the department's radiation therapists. In addition, the department's specialists successfully carry out irradiation for inflammatory joint diseases with severe pain syndrome. The doctors of the medical facility cooperate closely with oncologists and other doctors of related specialties.
Malignant processes of the central nervous system are not that common. Although more often, brain cancer affects middle-aged and older people, children are also not immune to the disease. Diagnostics and professional treatment in Germany make it possible to successfully cope with the brain cancer that was previously considered incurable.
The main symptoms of glioblastoma
The success of brain cancer treatments in Germany often depends on early disease detection. Brain cancer can be present for a long time without symptoms. Therefore, it is usually found at the advanced stages. Common symptoms of brain cancer include:
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Impaired vision and speech
- Impaired coordination
- Forgetfulness
- Paralysis
- Nausea and vomiting without gastrointestinal problems
Diagnostics of glioblastoma
Diagnostics of brain cancer begins with a medical history taking and examination of the patient by a qualified doctor. A doctor can evaluate the nature of the process, the location of the tumor, and the dynamics of brain cancer progression. The neurological picture and the mental state of the patient are taken into consideration as well.
The first thing to find out is the nature of the tumor (benign or malignant). Already at this stage, it is necessary to use precise screening techniques, since errors in diagnostics have unfavorable consequences for the patient.
The next issue to estimate is the source of brain cancer. Tumors of the central nervous system are of two kinds: primary, developing from cells of cerebral structures, and secondary or metastatic. Primary tumors can grow from the cells of the brain substance or its membranes. Finding out the source of the process is necessary to choose the most effective clinical treatment of glioblastoma.
Clinical blood tests are mandatory. The next indicator is tumor markers. By their presence (or absence) and level, doctors specify how aggressive brain cancer is.
Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis also provides valuable information. Atypical cells are found in the cerebrospinal fluid, which helps to indicate other changes in the functioning of the body. If there are no problems with CSF, then this is also an important diagnostic indicator.
The full list of diagnostic procedures is broad enough, and includes:
- Electroencephalography (EEG)
- X-ray of the skull
- Contrast-enhanced computed tomography
- Functional magnetic resonance imaging
- Angiography of cerebral vessels
- Ultrasound examination of cranial structures
Glioblastoma treatment in Germany
In hospitals in Germany, brain cancer treatments begin with diagnostics carried out using cutting-edge equipment, which makes it possible to detect any tumor even in the absence of pronounced manifestations.
Only highly specialized medical care with the involvement of high-tech and progressive methods of brain cancer treatment can guarantee recovery. All of these are offered by hospitals in Germany.
German doctors study the brain in detail to detect the tumors because brain cancer is often caused by metastases from other organs. Hospitals in Germany rank first in the number of successful treatment procedures for brain cancer.
Besides, relapses after the treatment of glioblastoma are most rare here. Treatment of brain tumors in hospitals in Germany at a high level due to the qualifications of specialists and the availability of modern technical equipment.
Methods of brain cancer treatment in Germany
As with many other forms of brain cancer, diverse approaches are applied in the treatment of glioblastoma, such as:
- Surgery.
Surgeries are carried out in case of the presence of distinctive tumor boundaries and the absence of metastases.
In many cases, surgery helps in the treatment of various types of brain cancer.
- Chemotherapy.
Difficulties with chemotherapy treatments are associated with the fact that not all chemotherapy drugs penetrate the barrier between the brain tissue and blood capillaries.
The achievements of the German pharmaceutical industry, which guarantee the maximum effectiveness of the drugs selected by the doctor, allow expecting a successful outcome.
Anti-tumor chemotherapy courses, selection of drugs, frequency, and the number of injections are prescribed individually, according to the results of prior examination.
The type of drug (or drugs) for chemotherapy is selected taking into account various factors, such as:
- Research data.
Almost a century ago, doctors started to apply chemotherapy to fight glioblastoma, and many different drugs have appeared since. Throughout all this time, clinical studies were carried out, the results were documented, and the effectiveness of standard and new treatments was constantly compared. This information has helped to elaborate basic protocols (types of drugs, doses, and treatment schedules) for certain types of cancer, stages of its development, and patient’s individual features. Currently, there are standard protocols that guide the doctor in the choice of the correct chemotherapy regimen.
- The level of positive clinical response.
- The health state of the patient.
Chemotherapy is toxic. It must be administered with caution, even in physically fit people with cancer. Elderly patients may not be able to tolerate certain chemotherapy protocols due to the high risk of severe side effects. In such cases, at the stage of prescribing treatment of glioblastoma, the possible risks and benefits of using chemotherapy are estimated carefully. Simply put, the inevitable damaging effects should not be greater than the potential benefit of the drug.
In some cases, to reduce toxicity and side effects, the doctor may prescribe only one drug instead of a standard drug combination. In other cases, the doctor and patient may decide not to administer chemotherapy, but to take other measures in order to preserve the quality of life.
- Radiation therapy.
Nerve cells are resistant to radiation therapy. Due to this feature, high-energy radiotherapy is effectively used to treat various types of brain cancer.
Radiation therapy uses powerful rays to treat cancer. Radiotherapy destroys cancer cells and makes it difficult for them to reproduce. After that, the body can naturally get rid of the destroyed cancer cells. Radiation therapy also affects normal cells. However, normal cells, unlike cancer cells, can repair themselves.
Radiation therapy can be used to treat primary brain tumors or tumors that have metastasized. The doctor decides if the patient will benefit from partial or total brain radiotherapy. Depending on the treatment plan, the patient can receive either external beam or stereotaxic radiotherapy.
During the external beam radiotherapy, the device directs beams of radiation to the tumor. The beam travels through the patient's body and destroys cancer cells in its path. Patients cannot see or feel radiation therapy in action.
Stereotactic radiotherapy can be used to treat certain types of malignant tumors and works with great precision. The radiation is directed at a small area of the brain. That is why the tumor is exposed to high radiation doses, and the normal nearby tissues receive minimal doses of radiation. The tumor is exposed to increasingly higher doses of radiation during each radiotherapy treatment session, which is going to shorten the overall course of radiation therapy.
It takes time for radiotherapy to work. Cancer cells begin to die after a few days or even weeks of treatment, and they will continue to disappear in the following several weeks or months after radiation therapy completion.
Before starting the treatment, the patient needs to go through a radiotherapy planning procedure. It is designed to ensure that the placement of the patient during the procedure is precise. The patient is scanned and marketed with small dots above the skin. These marks indicate the area of beam direction.
The radiation therapists guide the patient to the treatment room and help him lie down on a table. They are positioning him in the same manner in which the procedure itself is going to be conducted.
When the patient is in the correct position, the radiation therapists leave the room, close the door, and begin treatment. The patient won't see or feel the radiation, but he can hear the unit as it moves around, and as it turns on and off. The patient is in the treatment room for 15 to 90 minutes depending on the treatment plan.
Although the patient is alone during treatment, the radiation therapists constantly see him on the monitor. They make sure that the patient feels comfortable during treatment. However, if he feels uncomfortable or needs help, doctors can turn off the device and provide the patient with necessary help.
Some people may have side effects from radiation therapy. The type of side effects and their severity depend on many factors, such as the dose of radiation, the number of treatments, and the overall health state of the patient. Side effects may be more severe if the patient receives chemotherapy at the same time.
Cost of treatment in Germany
The cost of treatment in Germany, namely in hospitals listed on the Booking Health website, is relatively low. As a rule, you can save up to 40% of the hospital’s prices by booking the medical program here.
With Booking Health, you can undergo the treatment of glioblastoma at an affordable price. The cost of treatment in Germany varies, as the prices depend on the hospital, the diagnosis, and the complexity of treatment. The cost of treatment for glioblastoma is in the price range from 24,500 EUR to 45,886 EUR.
Where can I undergo chemotherapy or radiotherapy for glioblastoma?
Among hospitals in Germany, the best success rates in the treatment of glioblastoma are demonstrated by:
- Gamma Knife and Radiotherapy Center Krefeld
- MediClin Robert Janker Clinic
- University Hospital of Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich
- University Hospital Frankfurt am Main
- University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus Dresden
How can I undergo glioblastoma treatment in Germany?
Organizing the treatment of glioblastoma in hospitals in Germany by oneself can be challenging. It is safer, easier, and less stressful to shift some responsibility onto a medical tourism agency that will support you throughout your journey.
Booking Health will facilitate the organization of treatment in Germany by taking care about the following issues:
- Translation of the documents
- Communication with the clinic
- Assistance in obtaining a visa to Germany
- Booking tickets and transfer
- Accommodation booking in Germany for the period of treatment, or anything related to a comfortable stay in the country
We will also help to find the most suitable clinic for you among hospitals in Germany. It’s practically impossible to do this on your own, as it requires specific knowledge and experience in medical tourism.
It is in our power to do everything to make the treatment in hospitals in Germany as comfortable as possible.
If you want to get more information on the right clinic for your disease or on the cost of treatment in Germany, please leave a request on the Booking Health website. We will contact you as soon as possible, and answer all of your questions.