Stabilization and Functional Recovery for Bilateral Thalamic Glioma

In April 2025, Mr. Syed from India, New Delhi, began experiencing progressive numbness in his right hand and weakness in his lower limb. MRI scans soon revealed an aggressive, high-grade Bilateral Thalamic Glioma involving both thalami, with the left side being significantly larger. The tumor's deep location made it inoperable, and imaging confirmed central necrosis, mass effect, and perilesional edema, with midline brain shift show an indication of increased intracranial pressure.

A diagnosis of bilateral thalamic glioma (high-grade, IDH1-negative, Ki-67 ~30%) was confirmed via biopsy. Due to the tumor's location and behavior, the treatment approach had to be both comprehensive and minimally invasive.

This is a genuine photograph of the patient; however, he wishes to remain anonymous to protect his privacy

Instead of relying on surgery or high-dose chemotherapy alone, Mr. Syed pursued an integrative plan that included:

• ECCT - Electric Fields Therapy uses daily at home according to specialist doctor guidance and regime modification

• Temozolomide (TMZ) - a standard chemotherapy for gliomas

• Immunotherapy - administered every 15 days

• Dexamethasone - used initially for edema control and tapered as symptoms improved

• Physiotherapy and supportive care - to address mobility and neurological deficits

• Other supplements used along includes boswellia serrata, curcumin and multivitamins including vitamin B12, C, D3, B5, Calcium and Zinc.

Over a span of five months, Mr. Syed experienced a clear pattern of clinical stabilization and neurological improvement, supported by imaging and functional assessment:

• Tumor growth halted: MRI scans in September showed the tumour remained stable in size with a necrotic core and no new enhancement or progression

• Edema reduced: Surrounding brain edema lessened, allowing safe tapering of steroids

• Midline shift stabilized: The 9 mm shift noted earlier did not worsen

• Speech fully restored: Initially impaired, his speech returned to full clarity

• Motor function improved: Right-sided limb strength gradually increased; walking with support became possible

• Cognitive improvement: Memory and daily task performance improved

• No new seizures or neurological decline

Mr. Syed's overall condition improved too:

• No longer bedridden; able to bathe and communicate independently

• Mild post-session fatigue from ECCT, easily managed with rest

• Appetite and sleep stabilized after the acute treatment phase

• No signs of systemic toxicity (no liver, kidney, or infectious complications)

By October, his clinical team described him as “better than before”, with stable disease and improving function, despite the tumor’s aggressive biology and difficult location.

This case illustrates how ECCT, when used alongside standard oncology care, may offer a safe, synergistic, and effective path forward for complex brain tumors like bilateral thalamic glioma. In less than 6 months, Mr. Syed experienced tumor stabilization, functional recovery, and significant symptom relief, all without the need for invasive surgery.