What is GBM?
Glioblastoma , also called GBM multiforme or GBM, is a fast-growing grade IV astrocytoma brain tumor that develops from glial (supportive) tissue of the brain. It is the most common and most aggressive type of primary brain tumor that occurs in humans.
Symptoms of GBM
The main symptoms of GBM depend on the location of the tumor in the brain and can include headaches, nausea, vomiting, memory problems, changes in mood and personality, seizures, weakness or numbness on one side of the body, vision or speech problems. As the tumor grows it can put pressure on nearby brain tissues and cause more severe symptoms.
Causes and Risk Factors
The exact causes of GBM are still largely unknown. However, some risk factors that may increase the risk of developing GBM include increasing age, genetics and family history of cancer, previous radiation treatment to the head or neck, rare inherited conditions like neurofibromatosis type 1. Men are also slightly more likely to develop GBM than women.
Diagnosis and Testing
If a person is experiencing symptoms that could be caused by a brain tumor, the doctor will conduct a neurological exam and review the patient’s medical history. Tests used to diagnose GBM include MRI scans, CT scans, biopsy and genetic testing. An MRI with contrast dye provides the most detailed images of soft tissues like the brain and spinal cord and is the preferred initial imaging test to evaluate for a brain tumor. A biopsy is needed for a definite diagnosis by examining tumor cells under a microscope.
Grading and Staging of Glioblastoma
GBM tumors are graded on a scale of I to IV based on how abnormal the cancer cells look under a microscope and how quickly they are growing and spreading. Grade IV is the most severe and what GBM is classified as. GBMs are not staged like other cancers because the tumors rarely spread outside the central nervous system to other organs. Instead, prognostic factors like age, health, location and size of the tumor are considered.
Treatment Options for GBM
There is currently no cure for GBM but treatment aims to prolong survival and improve quality of life. The main treatment options include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy and targeted drugs. Surgery called resection is usually the first treatment to remove as much of the tumor as possible when it is safe to do so. This is followed by radiation and chemotherapy, often with the drug temozolomide, to kill any remaining cancer cells. Additional targeted therapies or clinical trials of new drugs may also be options. Treatment is aimed at combination therapy for best results.
Prognosis and Survival Rates
Even with aggressive treatment, GBM remains very difficult to treat and cure. The median survival time is only about 15 months from the time of diagnosis. However, survival depends on several factors like age, overall health, extent of surgical resection and molecular features of the tumor. About 26% of patients live for over one year and just over 5% live for over five years. Survival has improved some with newer treatments but GBM remains very lethal compared to other cancers.
Overcoming Glioblastoma Through Research
Significant research efforts are underway to improve treatment and find a cure for GBM. Areas of focus include developing more effective drugs against the molecular drivers, advancing immunotherapy approaches using the body’s own immune system, exploring gene and viral therapy, developing nanoparticles and targeted radiation therapies. Clinical trials are testing these novel therapies alone and in combination with standard treatments. Stem cell research also aims to regenerate damaged tissue. Continued research progress holds promise to translate into more effective treatments and eventually a cure in the future.
*Note:
1. Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public sources, Desk research
2. We have leveraged AI tools to mine information and compile it
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