Survival rates among patients with high-grade gliomas — one of the most aggressive forms of brain cancer — have improved by up to 50 per cent in India, according to leading oncologists ahead of World Brain Tumour Day 2026.Doctors say a growing number of patients are now living significantly longer after diagnosis, with some surviving for more than a decade.Advances Boost Survival OutcomesDr. Tejinder Kataria, Chairperson of Radiation Oncology at Medanta, said median survival for many high-grade glioma patients has increased from around 9–12 months to 14–18 months.She noted that some centers are "reporting nearly 40 per cent two-year survival rates among patients with Grade III and Grade IV gliomas. In addition, about 5 per cent of patients in certain high-grade glioma groups are now surviving for more than 10 years".Experts attribute these improvements to advances in molecular diagnostics, comprehensive genomic profiling, neuronavigation-assisted surgery, precision radiation therapy, and targeted treatments.“Radiation oncology has evolved from open beams in the cobalt era to highly precise beam configurations using modern technologies. We are now able to deliver tumoricidal doses more accurately while also preserving quality of life,” Dr. Kataria said.Personalized Treatment Changing CareAlso read: Ebola Alert In India: Rajasthan, Hyderabad Report Suspected Cases of Deadly VirusDr. R. Ranga Rao, Chairman of Medical Oncology at Paras Health, said brain tumor treatment is no longer limited to surgery and radiation.A deeper understanding of tumor biology is enabling doctors to tailor treatment according to the molecular profile of each patient’s cancer.“Although high-grade gliomas remain challenging to treat, the combination of precision diagnostics, modern therapies, and multidisciplinary specialist care is helping more patients live longer and maintain a better quality of life than was possible even a few years ago,” Dr. Rao said.He also highlighted the growing role of whole genomic sequencing, which helps clinicians understand a tumor’s genetic makeup and select more personalized treatment strategies that may improve survival.Patients Should Not Lose HopeDr. Shyam Agarwal, Senior Consultant in Medical Oncology at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, said many patients fear the worst when diagnosed with a brain tumor.“People often feel that nothing can be done once they hear the word tumor in the brain. But brain tumors are of many different types — benign and malignant — and even malignant tumors vary widely in behavior,” he said.According to Dr. Agarwal, modern treatment options, including surgery, radiation, targeted therapies, and newer drugs, can control many brain cancers for extended periods and may even offer a cure in selected cases.He also stressed the importance of molecular testing and comprehensive genomic profiling to identify patients who may benefit from precision medicines.Late Diagnosis Remains a Major Challenge Despite advances in treatment, experts say delayed diagnosis remains a significant problem in India.“The biggest blind spot in our country is that many patients reach specialists at a late stage. Symptoms may masquerade as routine headaches, hearing deficits, or visual disturbances. We need greater awareness,” Dr. Kataria said.Dr. Agarwal added that delayed diagnosis is due to symptoms such as persistent headaches, hearing problems, or vision disturbances which are often mistaken for stress, migraine, or other common conditions, leading to late referrals.What Is Glioma?As per the Johns Hopkins Medicine, glioma is a common type of tumor originating in the brain. About 33 per cent of all brain tumors are gliomas, which originate n the glial cells that surround and support neurons in the brains, including astrocytes, oligodendrocytes and ependymal cells. Gliomas are called intra-axial brain tumors because they grow within the substance of the brain and often mix with normal brain tissue. Symptoms includeHeadachesSeizuresPersonality changesWeakness in the arms, face or legsNumbnessProblems with speechNausea and vomitingVision lossDizziness.