Treatment of Glioblastoma
What is glioblastoma?
Glioblastoma is a type of cancer that begins in the cells in the brain or spinal cord. It is the most common malignant (cancerous) brain tumor in adults. Formerly known as glioblastoma multiforme, this type of cancer is diagnosed in more than 13,000 people in the United States every year. Classified as a fast-growing cancer, glioblastoma invades and destroys surrounding health cells and creates astrocytes that support nerve cell function. Glioblastoma rarely spreads beyond the brain or spinal cord.
What causes glioblastoma?
While the cause of glioblastoma is unknown, glioblastoma occurs when cells in the brain or spinal cord develop changes in their DNA. The DNA holds the instructions necessary to grow and multiply at a healthy rate. In glioblastoma, the cell’s instructions tell the cells to keep making more cells to a point where there are too many cells. The cancer cells then form a mass called a tumor, and the tumor can spread to other parts of the brain or spinal cord.
What are the risk factors for glioblastoma?
Glioblastoma has certain risk factors that may increase your risk. These risk factors may include:
- Getting older: Glioblastoma is more common to develop in older individuals. The median age for developing glioblastoma is 64 years old.
- Being exposed to radiation: People who have been exposed to ionizing radiation, like radiation therapy, have an increased risk of glioblastoma.
- Inherited syndromes, like Lynch Syndrome and Li-Fraumeni: These DNA changes can be passed down from parents to children and can increase the risk of glioblastoma.
What are the signs of glioblastoma?
Known for appearing quickly, the most common signs and symptoms of glioblastoma may include:
- Headaches.
- Nausea or vomiting.
- Confusion or decline in brain function.
- Memory loss.
- Personality changes or irritability.
- Visions changes - like blurred vision, double vision, or loss of peripheral vision.
- Trouble with balance or coordination.
- Muscle weakness in the face, arms, or legs.
- Seizures.
- Reduced sensation of touch
How is glioblastoma diagnosed?
Diagnosing glioblastoma may include one or more of the following tests:
- Neurological exam: This type of exam checks visions, hearing, balance, coordination, strength, and reflexes.
- Imaging tests: These types of testing can help find the location and size of glioblastoma.
- Biopsies: To remove a sample of tissue for testing to see if it contains cancerous cells.
What are treatment options for glioblastoma?
Glioblastoma treatment typically begins with surgery. A neurosurgeon, a brain surgeon, can surgically remove as much of the cancer as possible. Although for some cases, surgery is not possible because it may be too risky to remove due to the placement of the tumor. Other treatments can include radiation therapy, Gamma Knife Radiosurgery, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapy, tumor-treating fields (TTFields), and clinical trials.
The Neuro-Oncology Multidisciplinary Team at Karmanos Cancer Institute designs individualized treatment plans based on the size, location, and if the tumor has spread. Speaking with a cancer expert will allow you to find the best treatment option for you.
Early detection is one of the most powerful weapons in the fight against cancer.
When it comes to world-class cancer care close to home, look no further than Karmanos.
Information includes glioblastoma, causes, risk factors, diagnosis and treatment.