Is Glioblastoma Always Fatal?

Glioblastomas can often have similar symptoms to other gliomas. The symptoms can vary depending on the location and size of the tumor. The symptoms can worsen over time as the tumor grows and invades other surrounding structures.

Common signs and symptoms of gliomas include:

• Headache
• Nausea or vomiting
• Mental confusion
• A decline in the brain function
• Memory problems
• Personality changes or irritability
• Mood swings
• Loss of balance or trouble walking
• Loss of bladder control
• Blurring of vision
• Double vision
• Loss of peripheral vision
• Speech difficulties
• Seizures
• Learning difficulties
• Loss of appetite
• Sensation changes
• Tiredness
• Trouble concentrating
• Weakness

The exact cause of glioblastoma and other primary brain tumors is not known. Some factors may increase the risk of brain tumors. They are:

• Age: Glioblastomas can occur at any age. The risk of brain tumors increases with age. Adults between ages 45 and 65 years are at a higher risk.
• Radiation exposure: Exposure to a type of radiation called ionizing radiation increases the risk. The exposure can be due to radiation treatment of other cancers, atomic bombs, one’s occupation, etc. Other forms of radiation, such as electromagnetic fields, radiation from power lines, and radiofrequency radiation from microwave ovens increase the risk of glioma. There isn’t enough evidence to claim that cellphone use increases the risk of brain cancer.
• Family history: Family history of glioma. It's rare for gliomas to run in families. However, a family history of gliomas can double the risk of developing cancers, including glioblastoma.

Treatment of glioblastoma is difficult and involves multiple health care providers from many specialties. This includes doctors, nurses, dietitians, counselors, social workers, and occupational or physical therapists. Treatment plans depend on the patient’s age, overall health, and size and location of the tumor. There are several ongoing clinical research studies to improve and develop new treatment options.

Treatment options include:

• Surgery to remove as much of the tumor as possible without affecting brain function. Magnetic resonance imaging or MRI might be used during the surgery to help guide the surgeon.
• Alternating electrical field therapy (the use of low-energy electrical fields to treat cancer).
• Chemotherapy (use of medications to kill cancer cells).
• Radiotherapy (use of radiation to kill cancer cells).
• Participation in a clinical research trial.
• Medications to manage symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, pain, and seizures.
• Palliative care.

Glioblastoma is an aggressive, fast-growing type of cancer. Glioblastoma rarely spreads from the brain to other parts of the body but aggressively invades and spreads within the brain. Glioblastoma can be difficult to treat and has a high recurrence rate. Treatments may slow down the progression of cancer and reduce signs and symptoms. Glioblastomas are often incurable and fatal.

The five-year survival rate for glioblastoma patients is only 6.8 percent, and the average length of survival for glioblastoma patients is estimated to be only 8 months.