Glioblastomas

Glioblastoma (GBM)

Glioblastoma (GBM), is the most common, aggressive form of brain tumor. It is a form of cancer that starts in the brain or spinal cord. It is considered an incurable, but treatable, cancer, and life expectancy varies significantly.

The exact cause of glioblastoma is unknown, but certain factors—such as exposure to radiation, lifestyle, environment, and genetics—may increase a person's risk. Symptoms of glioblastoma vary depending on where the tumor is in the brain. Common symptoms include headaches, nausea, vomiting, vision problems, changes in personality and difficulty speaking.

Treatment for glioblastoma typically involves surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. Prognosis depends on the age of the patient, overall health status, the extent of the tumor, and the response to treatments.

Risk Factors for Glioblastoma

The following factors may increase a person’s risk of developing glioblastoma:

• Exposure to radiation—being exposed to radiation from radiation therapy, or to radiation from Chernobyl, Hiroshima, or Nagasaki, may increase a person’s risk for glioblastoma.
• Family history—a person may be at higher risk for glioblastoma if they have a parent, sibling, or child with the cancer.
• Age—the risk for glioblastoma increases with age. Most cases occur in people 55 and older.
• Gender—men are slightly more likely to develop the cancer than women.

Symptoms of Glioblastoma

Common symptoms of glioblastoma include:

• Headaches
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Vision problems
• Changes in personality
• Weakness or numbness in part of the body
• Difficulty speaking

If any of these symptoms are present, it is important to see a doctor as soon as possible.

Diagnosis of Glioblastoma

If glioblastoma is suspected, a doctor may order tests such as a brain MRI or CT scan to help confirm the diagnosis. Other tests, such as biopsy, may also be performed. Once the diagnosis is confirmed, other tests may be needed to determine the extent of the tumor and to determine if the cancer has spread.

Treatments for Glioblastoma

Treatment for glioblastoma typically includes surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. Surgery may be used to remove as much of the tumor as possible. Radiation therapy may be used to shrink any remaining tumor and reduce symptoms. Chemotherapy may also be used to prevent the tumor from growing and spreading.

Prognosis for Glioblastoma

The prognosis for glioblastoma varies depending on the age of the patient, the overall health of the individual, the extent of the tumor, and the response to treatments. Treatment may extend life for up to 14 months for some, but overall the median survival rate is approximately 7-8 months.