Glioblastoma is the most common and most aggressive type of primary brain cancer. It is a subtype of astrocytomas, which arise from the brain tissue and resemble astrocytes, the supportive cells that encircle and protect the nerve cells in the brain. Glioblastomas are remarkably difficult to treat; the average length of survival after diagnosis with therapy is in the range of one year. However, surgical removal can be beneficial for selected patients with glioblastomas, both to alleviate symptoms associated with the tumor and to extend survival following radical removal.
When possible, the preferred surgical treatment at UPMC for glioblastomas is Neuroendoport® Surgery, which provides access to the tumor through a dime-size channel. This minimally invasive approach offers the benefits of minimal scarring, fewer side effects and complications, and faster recovery times.
Glioblastoma can be identified by imaging studies such as MRI or CT scans.
Your physician will also ask you about your symptoms.
- headaches
- confusion
- seizures
- nausea or vomiting
- weakness or loss of sensation in the arms and/or legs
- speech, vision, or memory problems
- personality changes
Surgery is the standard treatment for glioblastoma.
Neuroendoport® Surgery offers a minimally invasive option for tumors within the ventricles (fluid spaces) or deep-seated tumors within the substance of the brain. A narrow tube or port allows doctors to access these tumors through a tiny incision in the scalp, in contrast to traditional brain surgery.
At UPMC, we take a 360° Approach to treatment when evaluating each patient—looking at their conditions from every direction—to find the path that is least disruptive to the patient's brain, critical nerves, and ability to return to normal functioning. Our neurosurgical team may recommend a combination of surgical approaches to maximize the benefits of surgery while minimizing risks.
Radiation therapy and chemotherapy are commonly used in conjunction with surgery to treat glioblastoma.
Radiation Therapy
Radiation is commonly used for treatment of glioblastoma and brain tumors, either alone or in combination with surgery and/or chemotherapy. Radiation therapy may be delivered externally by directing radiation at the tumor from an outside source, internally by placing radioactive material directly in the body near the cancer, or using stereotactic radiosurgery to deliver a concentrated dose of radiation directly to the brain tumor.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy uses drugs to stop the growth of cancer cells. Depending on the type and stage of the cancer, chemotherapy may be taken by mouth, as an injection, or placed directly into the brain tumor site.
