Understanding Brain Tumor Growth Patterns to Improve Patient Care Management

Recent advancements in neuro-oncology have shed light on how the growth patterns of brain tumors can significantly influence patient treatment strategies. Researchers from the University of Notre Dame, Harvard Medical School, and Boston University have developed innovative techniques to measure the mechanical forces exerted by brain tumors during surgical procedures. This approach involves utilizing intraoperative 3D navigation technology, such as Brainlab neuronavigation, to assess the tumor's impact on brain tissue in real-time. By analyzing whether a tumor displaces brain tissue through pushing or destroys it via invasion, clinicians can infer critical information about tumor behavior.

The study, published in Clinical Cancer Research, introduces computational models that quantify the biomechanical forces involved, enabling surgeons to estimate the amount of brain tissue displaced or replaced. This measurement requires only an additional two-minute step during surgery, providing valuable insights that can influence post-operative treatment plans. For example, tumors exerting greater mechanical force tend to cause more swelling and neurological symptoms, which may necessitate specific medical interventions like steroids.

Furthermore, the research highlights the potential of mechanical force measurements as early indicators of treatment response, even before changes in tumor size become apparent on imaging. In animal models, reductions in mechanical force preceded observable decreases in tumor volume after chemotherapy, suggesting that mechanics could serve as sensitive biomarkers across various tumor types.

This approach opens new avenues for personalized treatment, helping differentiate between tumor types—such as glioblastomas versus metastatic tumors—and tailoring patient management accordingly. Ultimately, integrating mechanical force assessment into surgical workflows promises more accurate prognosis, better symptom management, and improved therapeutic outcomes.

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-07-brain-tumor-growth-patterns-patient.html