If a recurrence is discovered:

• You will meet with your neuro/medical oncologist to discuss the MRI results or your new symptoms and what type of treatment is best for your situation
• Sometimes, another surgery is recommended. Surgery can help determine if the new symptoms or changes in your scan are related to side-effects of radiation (called radiation necrosis) or if the disease itself has returned
• Surgery can also help to reduce the amount of tumour in your brain – this is called “debulking” or re-resection. This can be helpful in relieving neurological symptoms such as headache
• Re-irradiation is rarely considered, but if you are a candidate for this treatment you will discuss this with your radiation oncologist
• Your neuro/medical oncologist may discuss other types of oral chemotherapy with you
• Bevacizumab is an intravenous treatment that may also be considered. This treatment affects the blood vessels that supply nourishment to the tumour and can also reduce swelling in the brain.