glioblastoma

glioblastoma, rare form of aggressive brain tumor. Glioblastomas originate from neuroglia, or glial cells, a diverse group of cells that support and protect neurons. The disease is the most frequently occurring form of glioma, a group of malignancies that typically form in the brain or spinal cord.

The cause of glioblastoma is unclear. It can develop at any age, though it generally is more common in individuals aged 45 to 70. Symptoms include headaches that worsen progressively over time, nausea, vomiting, confusion, memory loss, changes in personality, problems with balance and vision, and seizures.

Glioblastoma is diagnosed through neurological testing, brain imaging, and tissue analysis. A neurologist first evaluates brain function through assessments of balance and coordination, hearing, reflexes, vision, and short-term memory. This is then typically followed by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)—the standard imaging method—to locate and assess the tumor. A biopsy or surgical tissue sample is then examined for cancerous cells and molecular markers such as isocitrate dehydrogenase 1 and 2 (IDH1/IDH2), confirming the diagnosis and helping guide treatment.

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There is no cure for glioblastoma. Rather, existing treatments are used to slow progression of the cancer and to reduce signs and symptoms. Treatment options typically include surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or targeted therapy. Among the latter, some patients may benefit from bevacizumab (Avastin), which targets tumor blood vessels, particularly for reducing swelling. Tumor-treating fields (TTFs; also known as alternating electric field therapy), which are associated with improvements in survival in glioblastoma patients, may also be used. TTF, in which patients wear a device that delivers low-intensity electric fields to disrupt cancer cell division, is non-invasive and well-tolerated.