Glioblastoma Multiforme

Glioblastoma multiforme (also known as 'stage 4 astrocytoma' and referred to as GBM) is the most common type of brain cancer, which develops in the glial cells and belongs to the glioma cancer group.

This cancer type belongs to the astrocytoma group of cancer tumors that develops in star-shaped glial cells in the brain or spinal cord, more commonly in the brain. This cancer type is considered to be the most aggressive and most primary brain tumor that develops in humans as this is a very fast growing cancer. This cancer can develop from a diffuse astrocytoma or an anaplastic astrocytoma (other brain tumors), but not necessarily.

Glioblastoma Multiforme Symptoms

This cancer more commonly develops in patients between the ages of 45-70. As symptoms might differ depending on the location of the tumor, the most common symptom for this kind of cancer is a progressive memory, personality, or neurological deficit due to the tumor affecting the temporal or frontal lobe.

Additional common symptoms can include:

• Headaches
• Nausea and vomiting
• Seizures
• Hemiparesis – A weakness on one side of the body

Glioblastoma Multiforme Treatments

Treating this kind of cancer is more difficult than treating other cancers due to a number of unique factors that include the brain cells being resistant to conventional therapies; the brain is more susceptible to damage from the conventional therapy than other organs and it also has a limited capacity to heal itself.

Treatments for this type of cancer will include chemotherapy, radiation treatments and surgery. However, it is believed that patients with this specific type of cancer should try additional methods of treatments and not settle for "standard" methods.

It is recommended GBM patients try clinical trials programs and experimental drugs that are designed to improve treatment chances by adding newer forms of treatment to the conventional methods. Patients should also consider studies that evaluate medications that trigger a biological response following radiation therapy.

Glioblastoma Multiforme Treatments Abroad

As glioblastoma multiforme is a aggressive cancer, a patient diagnosed with this type of cancer must begin treatments as soon as possible. TicketMed will assist you in acquiring all the information you need regarding the best GBM treatments, clinical trials and experimental drugs around the globe and provide oncology specialists to guide you through the process. Contact us or ask for a quote.