Following a glioblastoma multiforme diagnosis, the first questions that come to mind for most patients will typically revolve around the best treatment options available. Learning more about glioblastoma multiforme treatment is a great way to help you better understand your condition and upcoming therapy. When you know why your doctor has made specific recommendations, you can have more confidence in your upcoming treatment.
While every patient is different, the most common glioblastoma multiforme treatment regimen includes a combination approach of surgery, radiation therapy and oral chemotherapy. Your doctor will work with you to develop the treatment schedule most appropriate based on the location of your glioblastoma multiforme, age and other related health factors.
The information below will give you insight into the treatment path 90 percent of glioblastoma multiforme patients experience. If your doctor has recommended something slightly different, be sure to follow up with him or her regarding the reasons why. It’s important you understand and are comfortable with your treatment before it begins to help minimize any stress you may be feeling.
About Glioblastoma Multiforme
Glioblastoma multiforme is the most common form of primary brain cancer in adults, which means it arises from cells within the brain as opposed to spreading from elsewhere in your body. It develops from specialized cells known as astrocytes, which typically provide nutrition and support to the brain. This means glioblastoma multiforme is a type of astrocytoma, which falls into the larger category of glioma.
What distinguishes glioblastoma multiforme from other astrocytomas is the fact that it is characterized as a grade IV tumor. This means that it is particularly aggressive and has the potential to spread very rapidly. As a result, the treatment required can be intensive and must be initiated as soon as possible following diagnosis.
To definitively confirm your glioblastoma diagnosis, your doctor will use information from diagnostic imaging, as well as a section of the tissue taken during a needle or surgical biopsy. This will often overlap with the first stage of your treatment, as discussed further on.
Glioblastoma Multiforme Treatment
Though your doctor will develop a specific treatment plan appropriate for your individual condition, most patients diagnosed with glioblastoma multiforme can expect a treatment path that includes a combination approach designed to aggressively treat your tumor as quickly and effectively as possible.
Step 1: Diagnosis and Surgical Resection
In order to make a definitive diagnosis of glioblastoma multiforme, your doctor must obtain a tissue sample from your tumor to be analyzed by a pathologist. Sometimes this can be done using a needle biopsy but is often done at the same time as surgical removal of your tumor. The pathologist’s analysis will help guide your treatment following surgery.
During surgical resection, your surgeon will remove as much of your tumor as possible without causing damage to surrounding tissues. Though some patients may not be candidates for surgery, you can likely expect to have surgical resection scheduled as the first step in your glioblastoma multiforme treatment.
Step 2: Radiation Therapy
Because it is not possible to remove all of the tumor cells using surgery alone, the next step in your glioblastoma multiforme treatment will likely be radiation therapy. This is because any remaining cells could potentially regrow into new tumors very rapidly.
Your radiation therapy will likely last around six weeks and will involve multiple doses per week. These typically take place in an outpatient setting, which means you will not have to stay any length of time in the hospital. Some patients are unable to tolerate radiation therapy because of coexisting health conditions or advanced age. Your doctor will develop a GM treatment program appropriate for your individual condition based on your needs and radiation tolerance level.
Step 3: Oral Chemotherapy
Most patients will also begin a six-week course of oral chemotherapy in conjunction with radiation therapy following surgical resection. Temozolomide (Temodar) is most frequently used in glioblastoma multiforme treatment and is a pill taken once daily. Most patients are able to tolerate temozolomide very well. Following your first six-week course, your doctor may choose to continue your prescription, depending upon your individual situation.
Your Glioblastoma Multiforme Treatment
Now that you have a better understanding of your condition, your glioblastoma multiforme treatment plan likely makes a little more sense. Though your doctor may have developed a treatment approach that varies slightly, over 90 percent of patients are treated using a combined method of surgery, radiation and oral chemotherapy.
If you find that you still have questions, be sure to bring them up with your doctor at your next appointment. He or she will be able to explain the nuances of your individual treatment plan and why there may be differences in what you have scheduled.
It’s great that you have chosen to learn more about your condition and what to expect through the treatment process. Continue to self-educate and expand your knowledge, and you will find that your increased understanding will also help provide you with peace of mind. The more you can relax now, the more you can focus on your recovery and feeling better.
