Glioblastoma is a kind of cancer that starts in cells in your brain and spinal cord called astrocytes. Astrocytes support your nerve cells. Glioblastoma cancer cells grow and multiply quickly. The cancer invades and destroys healthy surrounding tissue. Unfortunately, there’s no cure for the condition and the prognosis isn’t good.
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Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common type of malignant (cancerous) brain tumor that starts in the brain in adults. Cancer cells in glioblastoma tumors rapidly grow and multiply. The cancer can spread into other areas of your brain and spinal cord as well. Rarely, the cancer spreads outside your brain to other parts of your body.
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Glioma tumors like GBM start in glial cells. Glial cells are vital to nerve cell function. Glioblastoma specifically forms in glial cells called astrocytes. GBMs are the fastest-growing astrocytoma (a tumor that forms in astrocytes).
Glioblastoma, formerly known as glioblastoma multiforme, is a devastating type of cancer that can result in death in fewer than six months without treatment. It’s important to seek diagnosis and treatment as soon as possible to prolong your life.
More than 13,000 Americans are diagnosed with GBM every year. Glioblastoma accounts for almost half of all cancerous brain tumors.
Glioblastoma symptoms tend to come on quickly. The growing tumor puts pressure on your brain and can destroy otherwise healthy brain tissue, causing:
Like other gliomas (tumors that form in your brain and spinal cord), research suggests that changes in your DNA lead to the development of glioblastoma brain tumors. Your genes contain DNA. They give instructions to your cells about how to grow and multiply. Mutations, or changes, to the DNA in your genes can cause cells to multiply out of control.
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Research suggests that it’s possible to inherit genetic variations from your biological parents, but inherited GBMs are rare. Most commonly, these mutations happen randomly during your lifetime.
Glioblastoma most commonly affects people ages 45 to 70. The average age at diagnosis is 64. Men and people assigned male at birth (AMAB) have a slightly higher risk, but the disease affects all ages and sexes.
These factors may increase your risk:
Glioblastoma and its treatments can affect brain function. You may experience mood changes and memory problems. Most people with GBM eventually have to stop working and driving. You may need full-time care. These changes may lead to anxiety disorders or depression.
A healthcare provider will evaluate your symptoms and perform a neurological exam. If they suspect you may have a brain tumor, you may have these tests:
Healthcare providers use a grading system from I (1) to IV (4) to indicate brain tumor behavior. Grade I brain tumors grow slowly and are the least aggressive. Grade IV tumors grow rapidly and are more aggressive.
Glioblastoma tumors are grade IV by definition. Glioblastoma can be either primary or secondary. Primary GBM develops directly from glial cells. On the contrary, occasionally, grade I glial tumors can progress to become GBMs — this is called secondary GBM.
Unfortunately, there isn’t a cure for glioblastoma. Treatments focus on removing or shrinking the tumor to reduce symptoms, extend your life and improve the quality of your life.
The first step is surgery to remove the tumor (craniotomy), followed by radiation and chemotherapy. If surgery isn’t an option due to your health or the tumor location, your cancer care team may suggest radiation and chemotherapy to try to manage the tumor.
Glioblastoma treatment includes:
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Unfortunately, genetic mutations cause glioblastoma and they aren’t preventable. But early detection and treatment may slow the progression of a tumor.
If brain tumors run in your biological family, you may want to consider genetic testing. Talk to a healthcare provider or a genetic counselor about the risks and benefits of genetic testing.
Glioblastoma is an aggressive cancer that’s difficult to treat. There isn’t a reliable cure. Treatments ease symptoms. They help you stay comfortable and prolong your life. There are many clinical trials underway to find new GBM treatments. On rare occasions, a GBM patient may be cured with aggressive treatment, but aggressive treatment rarely results in a cure.
Therapies that target specific cancer cell genes show promise. Researchers are also looking at ways to deliver chemotherapy directly to the brain tumor. Your healthcare provider can determine whether a clinical trial is right for you.
Unfortunately, most people live an average 12 to 18 months after diagnosis. The five-year survival rate for glioblastoma is only about 5%. That means about 5% of people with GBM are still alive five years after their diagnosis.
You should call your healthcare provider if you experience:
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You may want to ask your healthcare provider:
Finding out you have glioblastoma (GBM) can be difficult. The disease grows quickly and treatment is challenging. Researchers continue to look for new ways to treat GBM. For now, treatments can minimize symptoms and improve your quality of life. Talk to your healthcare provider about treatment options, including clinical trials.
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Last reviewed on 08/14/2024.
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