Glioblastome

Glioblastoma is a fast‑growing, aggressive brain cancer that tends to spread into nearby brain tissue and almost always comes back, even after treatment. Treatment can slow it down and ease symptoms, but it is generally not considered curable with current standard therapies.​

1) What is this condition?

  • It is a very aggressive brain tumor that grows from the brain’s support cells and is classed as the highest‑grade (most malignant) form.​

  • It often grows with “fingers” into nearby brain areas rather than forming a neat ball, which makes it hard to remove completely.​

  • Common symptoms include headaches, seizures, confusion, memory problems, weakness, speech or vision changes, and personality shifts.​

2) How serious is it?

  • It is one of the deadliest brain cancers; average survival is often about 12–18 months, even with treatment.​

  • Only a small group (roughly 5–10%) live several years, and long‑term survivors beyond 5 years are rare.​

  • Despite this, treatment can meaningfully reduce symptoms and extend life, and care teams focus heavily on quality of life.​

3) Non‑surgical treatments

  • Radiation therapy to the tumor area to slow growth, kill remaining tumor cells after surgery, or treat tumors that cannot be removed.​

  • Chemotherapy pills (most commonly temozolomide) taken with and after radiation to improve survival.​

  • Newer options in some centers: electric field therapy (a wearable device), targeted drugs, or clinical trial medicines.​

  • Symptom‑control medicines:

    • Steroids to reduce swelling and ease headaches or weakness.​

    • Seizure medicines, pain medicines, mood and sleep aids as needed.​

  • Rehabilitation (physical, occupational, speech, cognitive therapy) and counseling to support movement, thinking, mood, and family coping.​

4) Types of surgery that may be needed

  • “Open” brain surgery to remove as much tumor as can be safely taken out (often called maximal or “safe” removal).​

  • Biopsy only (small sample) when the tumor is in a very delicate spot or the person is too fragile for a larger operation.​

  • Occasionally, repeat surgery if the tumor grows back in a place that can again be safely reached.​

5) Goals of surgery vs non‑surgical care

  • Non‑surgical goals:

    • Slow tumor growth, extend life, and ease symptoms like headaches, weakness, and seizures.​

    • Support day‑to‑day function and comfort through rehab, symptom control, and palliative care.​

  • Surgery goals:

    • Remove as much tumor as possible without causing major new disability.​

    • Lower pressure in the brain and quickly improve symptoms, and obtain tissue to confirm the exact diagnosis and guide further treatment.​

6) If surgery is needed, how does it help?

  • By taking out a large part of the tumor, surgery reduces crowding in the skull, which can ease headaches, nausea, and some weakness or speech problems.​

  • Removing bulk tumor leaves fewer cancer cells behind for radiation and chemotherapy to target, which is linked to longer survival than biopsy alone.​

  • The tissue removed is tested in detail to identify tumor type and key markers that influence which drug treatments are chosen.​

7) Risks of surgery (general and specific)

  • General risks: bleeding, infection, blood clots, anesthesia problems, and stroke.​

  • Brain‑specific risks:

    • New or worse weakness, trouble speaking, vision loss, or thinking and personality changes, depending on tumor location.​

    • Seizures or fluid buildup around the brain that may require drains or shunts.​

    • Not all tumor can be removed; “invisible” cells almost always remain and can grow again.​

8) Chances this surgery will work

  • Surgery almost never cures glioblastoma by itself, but removing more tumor is linked to better survival and symptom relief.​

  • Studies show people who have a large portion removed live longer on average than those who only have a biopsy.​

  • Best outcomes come from combining “maximum safe” surgery with radiation, chemotherapy, and strong supportive care.​

9) Possible complications from the surgery

  • Short‑term: confusion, worsening weakness, speech or vision problems, infection, or need for return to the operating room for bleeding or fluid issues.​

  • Longer‑term: lasting disability in movement, speech, or thinking; more dependence on others for daily activities.​

  • Tumor regrowth at or near the surgery site, which is common and often appears within months.​

10) Typical recovery from the condition

  • Without treatment, symptoms tend to worsen over weeks to a few months as the tumor grows.​

  • With full treatment, many people get months of better control of headaches, seizures, and day‑to‑day functioning, though decline usually returns over time.​

  • Fatigue, thinking changes, and mood shifts are common throughout the illness and usually require ongoing support.​

11) Typical recovery after surgery

  • First days: hospital stay with tiredness, headache, and some confusion or weakness common; close watching in a brain‑care unit.​

  • First weeks: gradual increase in walking and self‑care; many start or continue rehab; radiation and chemotherapy usually begin a few weeks after surgery.​

  • Over months: some people regain good independence for a time, while others need growing help with daily tasks as the disease progresses.​

12) How long in the hospital

  • Many people stay about 3–7 days after surgery if there are no major complications.​

  • Longer stays or transfers to rehab units or skilled nursing facilities may be needed if there is significant weakness, confusion, or other medical issues.​

13) Long‑term outlook

  • Average survival is roughly 10–15 months with current standard treatment; 2‑year survival is under 25% in many large studies.​

  • A small group live several years, especially younger patients, those with certain tumor markers, and those who can receive full‑dose combined treatments.​

  • Throughout the illness, the main goals are usually to balance life‑prolonging treatments with comfort, independence, and time with loved ones.​

14) Need for outpatient follow‑up

  • Regular visits with a brain‑tumor team (neurosurgeon, cancer doctor, radiation doctor) are essential to adjust treatment and manage symptoms.​

  • Repeat brain scans (usually MRI) every few months check for tumor regrowth or treatment effects.​

  • Ongoing rehab, palliative care, and psychosocial support for both patient and family are key parts of care from diagnosis onward.