What are steroids and can they have an adverse effect on a patient?
Steroids are drugs that are commonly used for patients with brain tumors. They are used to reduce the swelling (“edema”) that occurs as brain tumors grow. Brain edema frequently causes neurological problems, and can rapidly respond to the use of steroids. Common steroid drugs include dexamethasone (Decadron) and prednisone. However, steroids are not without side effects. Prolonged usage can cause weight gain, difficulty with sleep, depression, hypertension, diabetes, thinning of the bones (“osteoporosis”), thinning of the skin and easy bruising, and other side effects. Doctors use these drugs for as short a period of time as possible, and only because prolonged brain edema is more dangerous than many of these side effects. Clinical trials are currently underway to examine other drugs that could substitute for steroids and help patients avoid many of these side effects. You should check with your doctor to see if you might be eligible for any such trials in your community.
