Glioblastoma (GBM)

What Is a Glioblastoma?

Glioblastoma is a type of cancerous (malignant), fast-growing tumor that originates in the brain and, less frequently, in the spinal cord. Glioblastomas are the most advanced form of a group of brain tumors called gliomas.

Glioblastomas are tumors that arise from astrocytes, which are the star-shaped cells that make up the supportive tissue of the brain. These tumors are usually highly malignant (cancerous) because the cells reproduce quickly and because glioblastomas are supported by a large network of blood vessels. In addition, because glioblastomas have finger-like tentacles, they are very difficult to completely remove surgically, especially when they grow near parts of the brain that control important functions.

What Are the Symptoms of a Glioblastoma and How Is It Diagnosed?

Symptoms vary based on size and location of the tumor. They may include:

• Persistent and worsening headaches
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Decline in balance
• Seizures
• Confusion
• Memory loss

Diagnosis includes a neurological exam with a physician for balance, reflexes, vision, hearing, and other neurological function and brain imaging (including MRI, CT, and PET).

How Is a Glioblastoma Treated?

Glioblastomas can be difficult to treat because the tumors contain many different types of cells, some of which may respond well to certain therapies, while others do not. Therefore, glioblastoma treatment may combine several different approaches, including:

• Surgery to remove as much of the tumor as possible
• Chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy to slow the growth of tumors
• Stereotactic radiotherapy to administer a large dose of radiation directly at tumor cells
• Medications may include steroids to treat and prevent swelling of brain tissue, and anti-seizure medication to treat and prevent seizures
• New drugs and combination therapies currently in clinical trials, some of which target tumor growth or trigger an immune response

Despite significant advances in treating glioblastomas, they frequently recur and require ongoing imaging and treatment.

Learn more about glioblastoma treatment at Brigham and Women’s Hospital.

Specialists in Treating Glioblastoma

When facing an aggressive form of cancer like glioblastoma, it is critical to start your treatment at a center highly experienced in treating the condition. The neurosurgeons at Brigham and Women's Brain Tumor Center work closely with 200 to 300 glioblastoma patients each year—a high volume of experience that allows for exceptional care. Our neurosurgeons, in collaboration with neuro-oncologists, radiation oncologists, and other cancer specialists, will develop a care plan that accounts for your individual cancer and incorporates the most up-to-date treatment options.

As a patient at Brigham and Women's Hospital, you can count on:

• Care from a multidisciplinary team that focuses solely on diagnosing and treating brain tumors
• Sophisticated imaging technologies that deliver unsurpassed precision and safety in brain surgery, including our Advanced Multimodality Image-Guided Operating (AMIGO) Suite
• Extensive experience in techniques that allow us to treat tumors that were otherwise considered inoperable or untreatable
• Access to novel therapies through clinical trials, including those studying new approaches in immunotherapy
• Collaboration with highly regarded cancer specialists from Dana-Farber Cancer Institute

Our Team

Additional Resources

• To make an appointment, please call 617-732-6600 or submit a request through our secure online form
• Explore resources for patients and families
• Browse answers to neurosurgical patients' frequently asked questions