Glioblastoma: A Guide for Patients and Caregivers

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with glioblastoma, you may feel overwhelmed with questions.

Glioblastoma, or glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), is a rapidly growing and aggressive brain cancer. It is part of the glioma family, tumors arising from glial cells that support and insulate neurons.

“Glioblastomas most often occur in the cerebral hemispheres but can appear elsewhere. They rapidly grow and invade brain tissue, making treatment very difficult.”

Navid Redjal, M.D.

Director of Surgical Neuro-Oncology

Every year, an estimated 14,500 people in the U.S. are diagnosed with GBM, the most common primary brain cancer. With a prevalence of 7 per 100,000, it represents 50.1 percent of malignant brain tumors.¹

What Causes or Triggers Glioblastoma?

Unfortunately, the exact causes of glioblastoma are not yet fully understood. However, researchers have identified some factors that may increase the risk, including:

• Genetic Mutations: Changes in specific genes can lead to the uncontrolled cell growth observed in glioblastomas.
• Age: Glioblastoma is more common in adults aged 45 to 70, although it can also occur in younger individuals.
• Radiation Exposure: Exposure to radiation, particularly from wireless devices, may raise the risk of developing glioblastoma.
• Family History: Although glioblastoma is not hereditary, a family history of specific genetic disorders, such as Li-Fraumeni syndrome, can increase the risk.

It is important to note that most glioblastomas develop spontaneously without an apparent cause.

Symptoms and Diagnosis of Glioblastoma

Brain tumor symptoms depend on the area of the brain affected. They can vary from one person to another. Some of the most common symptoms include:

• Frequent severe headaches
• Nausea and vomiting
• Seizures
• Difficulty with cognition, speech, or movement
• Fatigue or muscle weakness
• Changes in personality or behavior

These symptoms do not always mean there is a brain tumor. However, discussing any symptoms with a doctor is essential as they may signal other health concerns.

If a physician suspects glioblastoma, several tests are typically performed:

• Imaging Tests: An MRI or CT scan can identify brain abnormalities.
• Biopsy: A small brain tissue sample can be extracted and examined to confirm the diagnosis and identify the tumor type.

The diagnostic process includes determining the tumor grade, with glioblastomas classified as Grade IV gliomas (the most aggressive form).

Glioblastoma, a stage 4 cancer, is aggressive. Survival outcomes vary by age and health.

Aggressive multimodal treatments — surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, and targeted therapies — enhance outcomes.

Treatment Options for Glioblastoma

Treating glioblastoma is challenging due to its rapid growth and tendency to infiltrate surrounding brain tissue. Advances in medical science offer various options for managing the condition.

• Surgery: Surgery is often the first step in treating glioblastoma. It aims to remove as much tumor as possible without harming vital brain functions. Complete removal is rare, but partial removal can relieve pressure on the brain and improve symptoms.
• Radiation Therapy: Radiation therapy uses high-energy beams to target and destroy cancer cells. It is a standard post-surgery treatment to eliminate remaining tumor tissue and slow growth.
• Chemotherapy: The primary chemotherapy drug for glioblastoma is temozolomide (TMZ), an oral agent usually given with radiation therapy to better target cancer cells.
• Targeted Therapy: Some patients benefit from targeted therapy, which includes drugs that focus on specific genetic alterations in cancer cells. For example, Bevacizumab (Avastin) blocks the blood vessels necessary for tumor growth.
• Clinical Trials: Clinical trials offer access to experimental treatments like immunotherapy or vaccine therapies for eligible patients. Many new drugs and combinations show promise in treating glioblastoma.

While these treatments cannot typically cure glioblastoma, they can extend survival and improve quality of life.

Prognosis

Glioblastoma prognosis varies based on factors like a patient’s age, overall health, and tumor characteristics. It is one of the most aggressive cancers, and its prognosis remains cautious.

The five-year survival rate for glioblastoma is 6.9 percent. Average life expectancy with treatment is 12 to 15 months, dropping to four months without treatment.²

Survival rates and mortality statistics for GBM have remained virtually unchanged for decades. Although first identified in the scientific literature in the 1920s, the FDA has specifically approved only four drugs and one device for treating glioblastoma.

Survival rates are based on past data and not definitive outcomes. Advances in medicine and individual differences ensure each patient’s experience is unique. The medical community continues to research new treatments to extend survival and improve quality of life for those battling this aggressive cancer.

Finding Support and Resources

A glioblastoma diagnosis can be life-changing for both patients and their loved ones. Seeking support is vital.

• Support Groups: Many communities provide support groups for brain cancer patients and caregivers to share experiences and advice.
• Counseling: Professional counseling is an invaluable resource for coping with the emotional challenges of a glioblastoma diagnosis.
• Nonprofit Organizations: Organizations like the American Brain Tumor Association (ABTA) and the National Brain Tumor Society offer educational materials, financial aid, and advocacy for brain cancer patients.

Schedule an appointment with a neuro specialist today.

References

1. National Brain Tumor Society https://braintumor.org/events/glioblastoma-awareness-day/about-glioblastoma/[↩]
2. Glioblastoma Foundation https://glioblastomafoundation.org/news/glioblastoma-multiforme[↩]