Glioblastoma Multiforme (GMB)

December 13, 2023

3 min read

Glioblastoma multiforme are aggressive tumors that grow in the brain and spinal cord. Also known as grade IV astrocytoma, the primary malignant brain tumor typically occurs in the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain.

Causes of Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM)

GBMs start in astrocytes, the cells that support and carry nutrients to nerve cells. A brain tumor occurs when the normally organized astrocytes start to behave erratically, multiplying and forming brain tumors.

High-grade GBMs can also result from exposure to radiation therapy while treating childhood leukemia or brain tumors. In rare cases, the brain tumor can occur because of certain genetic factors.

Symptoms of Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM)

The symptoms of GBM depend on the size and location of the tumor in the brain. As the tumor grows, it takes up space, increasing pressure within the skull. The fluid within the brain causes further brain swelling (edema).

Symptoms of GBM include:

Nausea and vomiting
Headaches
Seizures
Changes in personality and behaviors
Memory and language problems
Vision, speech, or hearing problems
Issues with co-ordination causing loss of balance
Mood swings
Loss of appetite

Even though there is no cure for GBM, treatments can slow the cancer and better manage the symptoms.

Diagnosis of glioblastoma multiforme

Your medical provider will conduct a physical exam where they will go through your symptoms and medical history.

Glioblastoma multiforme can be diagnosed through the following tests:

Neurologic exam

The tests examine your hearing, vision, strength, reflexes, body coordination, and balance to determine where the tumor is located.

Imaging tests

Tests like MRI, CT, and PET (positron emission tomography) can be used to diagnose glioblastoma multiforme.

Needle biopsy

Needle biopsies are done where a sample of the tissues near the tumor site is taken out with the help of a needle and then sent to the lab for further testing.

Treatment of glioblastoma multiforme

The treatment of glioblastoma multiforme will depend on the patient's age, overall health, preferences, tumor size, and location in the brain. The procedures may include:

Radiation therapy

Radiation therapy uses powerful radiation from X-rays to kill the targeted cancer cells in the brain. The treatment can be combined with chemotherapy or used after surgery.

When combined with chemotherapy, radiation therapy is often the best treatment for people who cannot undergo surgeries.

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy uses strong medicines given intravenously (through the vein) or in the form of a pill to kill the cancer cells. It is an effective treatment when used with radiation therapy and can be recommended after surgery.

Targeted therapy

Targeted treatment uses medications that block specific chemicals in cancerous cells, causing them to die.

Tumor treating field (TTF) therapy

TTF therapy uses an electric field to block the cancer cell's ability to multiply. The treatment can be used with chemotherapy or suggested after radiation therapy.

Surgery to remove the tumor

Surgeries are done to remove a bulk of the tumor while retaining brain function as much as possible. As surgery cannot completely remove the cancerous cells, it is usually followed by further treatments like medications, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy.

Clinical trials

Some GBM patients can be eligible for clinical trials. They are newer cancer treatments that may have some unknown side effects.

Clinical trial participation is encouraged in newly diagnosed cases and in cancer recurrence.

Palliative care

Some people with GBM choose to take only palliative care. Rather than focusing on treating cancer, palliative care offers ways to control the symptoms, giving comfort while improving the quality of life of GBM patients.

Possible complications of glioblastoma multiforme

GBMs are aggressive brain cancers that can quickly grow and spread through the brain when left untreated. Treatment may involve complications that include:

A future recurrence of the tumor
Depression
Treatment side effects include changes in brain function after surgery and an increase in the infection risk and bleeding after chemotherapy
Side effects resulting from steroid treatments include mood swings, weight gain, and insomnia