Intraocular pressure can help diagnose brain tumors

Brain tumors are one of the most difficult challenges in modern medicine: they are difficult to diagnose and are expensive, and the best predicted outcome is still early diagnosis. But what if the eyes could be used as a “brain window” to extract key information about brain stress to make an early diagnosis and improve this life-threatening disease?

Such a “brain thermometer” would be cheap, minimally invasive, and could provide important early diagnosis. The Centre for Brain Tumor and Translational Neuroscience at the University of Pretoria (BTC@UP) is the first center of its kind in the country, developing a state-of-the-art neuro-optic laboratory for evaluating the accuracy of various diagnostic methods. These include ultrasound, infrared pupil assays and optical coherence tomography to view the brain through the eyes and determine pressure and other conditions within the brain.

“Convenient nursing diagnosis (actually at the bedside or rural clinic) will address late-stage diagnostic problems and bring high-end care to underserved communities,” said Professor Llewellyn Padayachy, head of the Department of Neurosurgery. “Our focus in our research in the Neuroplasty Laboratory is to develop and refine these non-invasive diagnostic techniques. Brain tumors present many challenges, including late-stage diagnosis, limited access to advanced imaging and molecular testing, and a shortage of trained neurosurgeons, especially in low and moderate obstacles that are often found in these obstacles. “Subsecty and suboptim subpoptim and subpoptim”””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””

This study, which explores the mechanisms of eye and visual pathways as non-invasive assessment of brain pressure, is one of many projects at the center that can improve the prognosis of patients with brain tumors.

The burden of brain tumors

In Africa, the overall incidence of central nervous system tumors with benign and malignant tumors was estimated to be approximately every 10,000,000,000,000, between 1960 and 2017.

Given Africa’s large population, the total number of reported cases may be underestimated compared to other continents due to the lack of central brain tumor registry in Africa.

To address these challenges, the center was divided into three groups for the study:

1. The Early Testing and Epidemiology Group aims to establish a comprehensive database of brain tumor patients to validate local and regional data and to develop screening and care tools such as ultrasound and optical coherence tomography to enhance early brain tumor detection.
2. The surgical, assisted and neurorehabilitation groups focus on safe and effective brain tumor resection using advanced technologies and emphasize the positive impact of neuroresidence.
3. The Translation Neuroscience Group studies chemical, molecular and anatomical pathological markers as well as biomarkers based on imaging and mathematical modulus.

“Our interdisciplinary research approach can address major global health challenges by enhancing early detection and treatment of brain tumors to reduce mortality and improve patient quality of life, especially in developing countries, especially in developing countries.” “Our goal is to overcome barriers to effective management, including a shortage of trained professionals, inadequate diagnostic and therapeutic capabilities, and a lack of coordinated care. Our work can also advance global knowledge, inform practices, and shape future research with scalable, sustainable interventions to implement global implementation.”

While other projects may focus on isolated aspects of brain tumor care, the center’s work integrates multiple disciplines to address various challenges associated with this situation.

Professor Padyachi said: “Our holistic approach sets our work apart and brings great hope for the future.”