Medicover Cancer Institute treats pregnant woman with high grade glioma

In a landmark medical achievement, Medicover Cancer Institute on Thursday delivered advanced Image-Guided Radiation Therapy (IGRT) to a pregnant woman diagnosed with a High grade glioma —marking the first such case in India where highly precise radiation treatment was administered during pregnancy with meticulous fetal safety.

The 48-year-old patient had conceived after multiple IVF attempts. At 20 weeks of gestation, she was diagnosed with a left thalamic high -grade glioma. 

Given the rarity of brain tumors during pregnancy—estimated at approximately 1 in 13,000 to 17,000 pregnancies—a dedicated multidisciplinary tumor board was convened. After detailed risk assessment, chemotherapy was deferred in view of fetal safety. The team opted for highly precise IGRT, enabling targeted radiation delivery exclusively to the tumor while minimizing exposure to surrounding tissues. 

Dr. Kavita Uppala , Radiation Oncologist at Medicover Cancer Institute, stated that treating cancer during pregnancy demanded exceptional precision and coordination. She informed that with IGRT, the doctors were able to focus radiation accurately on the tumor while ensuring fetal protection through strict dose monitoring and shielding protocols.

The mother is currently stable and under close joint supervision by oncology and obstetric teams.