What to Know About Glioblastomas

Reviewed by
View as:|
1 of 7

What are glioblastomas?

According to the American Brain Tumor Association, glioblastomas (GBM) are tumors that arise from astrocytes, which are the star-shaped cells that make up the supportive tissue of the brain. These tumors are usually highly malignant (cancerous) because the cells reproduce quickly and they are supported by a large network of blood vessels.


Where are they located?



What are the symptoms?



Are glioblastomas common?

This particular tumor represents about 17 percent of all primary brain tumors and about 60-75 percent of all astrocytomas. They increase in frequency with age, and affect more men than women. Only three percent of childhood brain tumors are glioblastomas.


How do you treat glioblastomas?

The first step in treating glioblastoma is a procedure to make a diagnosis, relieve pressure on the brain, and safely remove as much tumor as possible through surgery. Because glioblastomas have finger-like tentacles, they are very difficult to completely remove.


What causes glioblastomas?

Unfortunately, the exact cause of glioblastoma is unknown.


What's the prognosis?

The American Brain Tumor Association notes that prognosis is usually reported in years of "median survival." For glioblastoma, treated with concurrent temozolamide and radiation therapy, median survival is about 14.6 months and two-year survival is 30 percent. However, a 2009 study reported that almost 10 percent of patients with glioblastoma may live five years or longer.