What is the latest treatment for glioblastoma multiforme?
A new FDA-approved treatment involving electric fields alternating at 200 kHz called Optune™ therapy is now available for recurrent GBM as monotherapy and in combination with temozolomide for newly diagnosed GBM (3, 4). It is also being tested in clinical trials for other cancers.
What is the standard course of treatment for a patient with glioblastoma?
The standard of treatment for a GBM is surgery, followed by daily radiation and oral chemotherapy for six and a half weeks, then a six-month regimen of oral chemotherapy given five days a month.
What is molecular glioblastoma?
Glioblastoma is the most aggressive diffuse glioma of astrocytic lineage and corresponds to grade IV according to the latest WHO Classification of Tumors of the CNS (4th ed., 2007). It may involve any neuroanatomical level or structure, but is most common in the cerebral hemispheres [1].
Does glioblastoma respond to chemo?
Chemotherapy is one of the main forms of treatment for glioblastoma. In most cases, patients start chemotherapy two to four weeks after surgery, at the same time as or shortly after radiation therapy.
How long can you survive with glioblastoma?
Glioblastoma survival The average survival time is 12-18 months – only 25% of glioblastoma patients survive more than one year, and only 5% of patients survive more than five years.
Is glioblastoma primary or secondary?
Glioblastoma is the most frequent and malignant brain tumor. The vast majority of glioblastomas (~90%) develop rapidly de novo in elderly patients, without clinical or histologic evidence of a less malignant precursor lesion (primary glioblastomas).
What is an oligodendroglioma?
Oligodendroglioma is a primary central nervous system (CNS) tumor. This means it begins in the brain or spinal cord. To get an accurate diagnosis, a piece of tumor tissue will be removed during surgery, if possible. A neuropathologist should then review the tumor tissue.
Why is glioblastoma incurable?
Part of the reason why glioblastomas are so deadly is that they arise from a type of brain cell called astrocytes. These cells are shaped like a star, so when the tumors form they develop tentacles, which makes them difficult to remove surgically. Additionally, the tumors advance rapidly.