Glioblastoma is a tumor that starts in the brain, according to the American Brain Tumor Association®. Glioblastoma affects glial cells, which are glue-like cells that surround neurons.
Glioblastoma tumors (glioblastomas) are especially hard to treat because they aren’t contained in a defined mass with clear borders. Instead, each glioblastoma includes thread-like tendrils that extend into nearby areas of the brain, making surgery to entirely remove the tumor difficult and not an efficient, solitary treatment option. Glioblastomas are most commonly found in the frontal, temporal, parietal or occipital lobes in the brain, but they can also grow in the cerebellum or spread to the spinal cord.
Out of all primary brain tumors, 14% of the tumors are glioblastomas. In the U.S., more than 12,000 patients are diagnosed each year with glioblastoma.
Men are slightly more likely to get glioblastoma than women. Glioblastoma can affect anyone of any age, but it is most commonly diagnosed in patients who are older than 65.
Symptoms
Glioblastoma symptoms can include:
- Trouble seeing, hearing or speaking
- Coordination problems
- Fatigue
- Tingling, numbness or decreased sensation
- Paralysis or muscle weakness
- Behavior or personality changes
- Language or memory issues
- Severe headaches
- Seizures
Glioblastoma symptoms usually develop quickly due to the tumor causing pressure on the brain. The above list of symptoms is not comprehensive, because depending on the location and size of the glioblastoma, patients may experience additional symptoms.
Treatment Options and Prognosis
Chemotherapy and radiation therapy are the most common treatment options for glioblastoma following surgical resection or biopsy pending the location of the tumor. Some patients may also benefit from clinical trials or targeted therapies.
Personalized medicine can be extremely helpful for patients diagnosed with glioblastoma. While glioblastoma tumors appear identical under the microscope, genetics determine a patient’s course of treatment. Personalized medicine, with its emphasis on the patient’s tumor genetic makeup and practiced by a pathologist, is important in treating glioblastomas.
The personalized medicine approach allows glioblastomas to be classified into two main categories based on their genetic makeup. The laboratory can predict whether the tumors will respond better to certain chemotherapeutic and radiation therapies through molecular testing.
All patients require multidisciplinary care, meaning patients will encounter many different specialists and will have access to focused resources along their care journey. Each specialist brings a unique set of skills and perspectives, collaborating with the rest of the patient’s care team to find innovative and patient-centered options for their care.
About 90% of glioblastomas are “bad actors,” usually resulting in survival periods of 12-18 months. The remainder of patients may live for five years or more.
UofL Health is Here for You
The UofL Health – Brain & Spine Institute – Neuro-Oncology Program, working closely with UofL Health – Brown Cancer Center, has a wealth of experience evaluating and treating patients with primary and secondary tumors of the brain and spinal cord, and using the latest techniques and modalities to provide the best care for patients. The team is dedicated to the delivery of excellent patient care through an integrated multidisciplinary approach. To schedule an appointment with the Neuro-Oncology Program, call 502-588-2160.
The team at UofL Physicians – Neurosurgery includes experts in the surgical treatment of the brain and spine. These neurosurgeons partner with physiatrists to enhance and restore functional abilities after an illness or injury. Part of the Brain & Spine Institute, the neurosurgeons specialize in minimally invasive surgery, which means smaller incisions, less pain and shorter recovery time for patients.
To schedule an appointment with the Neurosurgery team, call 502-588-2160. See all Neurosurgery locations to find one close to home.
