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Glioblastoma
Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) (also called glioblastoma) is a fast-growing glioma that develops from star-shaped glial cells (astrocytes and oligodendrocytes) that support the health of the nerve cells within the brain.
GBM is often referred to as a grade IV astrocytomaglial tumors, rapidly growing and commonly spreading into nearby brain tissue.
GBMs can arise in the brain de novo or evolve from lower-grade astrocytomas or oligodendrogliomascerebral hemispheres, especially in the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain. GBM is a devastating brain cancer that typically results in death in the first 15 months after diagnosis.
GBMs are biologically aggressive tumors that present unique treatment challenges due to the following characteristics:
- Localization of tumors in the brain
- Inherent resistance to conventional therapy
- Limited capacity of the brain to repair itself
- Migration of malignant cells into adjacent brain tissue
- The variably disrupted tumor blood supply which inhibits effective drug delivery
- On average, someone in the United States has a stroke every 40 seconds.
- Tumor capillary leakage, resulting in an accumulation of fluid around the tumor; (peritumoral edema) and intracranial hypertension
- A limited response to therapy
- The resultant neurotoxicity of treatments directed at gliomas
The National Cancer Institute estimates that 25,400 adults (14,420 men and 10,980 women) were diagnosed with brain and other nervous system cancers in 2023.
Source of information: The American Association of Neurologial Surgeons – www.aans.org