Acoustic neuromas are benign (non-cancerous) growths that develop inside the ear. Prompt treatment of these growths can prevent hearing loss and other health effects, as well as stop more serious complications like hydrocephalus, which causes a dangerous buildup of pressure in the skull.
Most cases of acoustic neuroma require surgery to reduce or remove the growth from the inner ear. Radiation therapy is another common treatment for this condition. However, doctors sometimes use chemotherapy drugs to reduce the growth and relieve the symptoms.
Chemotherapy is typically reserved for malignant tumours, but the treatment also has limited applications when it comes to non-cancerous acoustic neuromas. In this case, doctors can prescribe a medication called bevacizumab to shrink the growth and prevent it from getting any bigger.
Chemotherapy is often used to treat acoustic neuromas when other treatment options are not effective. It can also be used to treat growths that result from neurofibromatosis type 2, a rare genetic disorder. In this case, the acoustic neuroma may continue to grow even after radiation treatment. Chemotherapy can also benefit people with multiple acoustic neuromas.
Like all medications, chemotherapy drugs come with certain risks and side effects. When it comes to bevacizumab, side effects can include:
More serious, sometimes life-threatening, side effects can also occur, but these are rare. Your doctor can evaluate your current state of health and symptoms to determine which treatment works best for you.