Glioma

Glioblastoma Multiforme

Glioblastoma multiforme (grade IV astrocytoma) is the most common and most malignant of the primary brain tumors. Glioblastoma multiforme usually spreads quickly to other parts of the brain. For this reason, these tumors are difficult to treat. It is not uncommon for them to recur after initial treatment.

PET scan of glioblastoma multiforme

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Although this tumor can occur in all age groups, including children, the average age at which it is diagnosed is 55 years. Symptoms often begin abruptly. Seizures are also relatively common.

Surgical removal remains the mainstay of treatment, provided that unacceptable neurologic injury can be avoided. The extremely infiltrative nature of this tumor makes complete surgical removal impossible. Although radiotherapy rarely cures glioblastoma, studies show that it doubles the median survival of patients, compared to supportive care alone. A recent important study showed a benefit for adjuvant chemotherapy using temozolomide in patients with glioblastoma multiforme. In the study, median survival of patients who received temozolomide in addition to radiotherapy was increased by 2.5 months and two-year survival by 16 percent.

Glioblastoma multiforme

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Treatment options for glioblastoma that recurs after radiation and use of temozolomide must be carefully weighed according to the needs of each patient. Because all therapies have limited benefits, symptom control with end-of-life care may be appropriate. Participation in a well-designed clinical trial should be considered.

Publications

See list of publications on glioblastoma multiforme by Mayo authors on PubMed, a service of the National Library of Medicine.