BRAIN TUMORS IN TODAY’S MEDICINE: ADVANCES, CHALLENGES, AND FUTURE DIRECTIONS

Abstract

Brain tumors remain one of the most challenging diseases in modern medicine, representing a heterogeneous group of neoplasms that affect both children and adults. They are associated with high morbidity and mortality due to their critical localization within the central nervous system, histological diversity, and often limited treatment options. Recent decades have witnessed significant progress in diagnostic neuroimaging, molecular tumor classification, surgical technologies, and adjuvant therapies such as radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and targeted agents. Despite these advances, brain tumors continue to pose unresolved challenges, including late diagnosis, treatment resistance, recurrence, and long-term quality-of-life issues for survivors. This article provides a comprehensive review of brain tumors in today’s medicine, focusing on epidemiology, clinical presentation, diagnostic methods, neurosurgical management, and adjuvant therapies. Special attention is given to emerging approaches such as precision medicine, immunotherapy, and artificial intelligence (AI)-driven diagnostics. While modern science has improved survival outcomes, disparities between high- and low-income regions remain profound, emphasizing the need for global collaboration and equitable access to innovation.