What is "glioblastoma multiforme"

n. (context medicine English) The most common and most aggressive type of primary brain tumor

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), also known as glioblastoma and grade IV astrocytoma, is the most common and most aggressive cancer that begins within the brain. Signs and symptoms are initially non-specific. They may include headaches, personality changes, nausea, and symptoms similar to that of a stroke. Worsening of symptoms is often rapid. This can progress to unconsciousness.

The cause of most cases is unclear. Uncommon risk factors include genetic disorders such as neurofibromatosis and Li Fraumeni syndrome and previous radiation therapy. Glioblastomas represent 15% of brain tumors. They can either start from normal brain cells or develop from an already existing low-grade astrocytoma. The diagnosis is typically made by a combination of CT scan, MRI scan, and tissue biopsy.

There is no clear way to prevent the disease. Typically treatment involves surgery after which chemotherapy and radiation therapy is used. The medication temozolomide is frequently used as part of chemotherapy. High dose steroids may be used to help reduce swelling and decrease symptoms. It is unclear if trying to remove all or simply most of the cancer is better.

Despite maximum treatment, the cancer usually recurs. The most common length of survival following diagnosis is 12 to 15 months with less than 3 to 5% of people surviving greater than five years. Without treatment survival is typically 3 months. About 3 per 100,000 people develop the disease a year. It most often begins around 64 years of age and occurs more commonly in males than females. Immunotherapy is being studied in glioblastoma with promising results.