What is a common therapeutic use of glucocorticoids in cancer care?

• A. Reduction of cerebral edema
• B. Treat infection
• C. Promote tumor growth
• D. Cure cancer

Answer: (A)

Glucocorticoids in cancer care are mainly used to rapidly reduce cerebral edema around brain tumors, metastases, or postsurgical edema. They help by stabilizing the blood–brain barrier and decreasing capillary permeability, which lowers the inflammatory fluid leakage that causes swelling. This softens pressure inside the skull, relieves headaches, and improves neurological function, making it a key symptomatic, palliative strategy rather than a curative one.

They aren’t used to treat infections; in fact, their immunosuppressive effects can mask signs of infection. They don’t promote tumor growth or cure cancer; their value lies in rapid symptom control, improving quality of life and enabling other treatments to proceed.