Glioblastoma (GBM)

What is this Condition?

Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common and most aggressive malignant brain tumor in adults. Classified as a Grade 4 glioma according to the World Health Organization (WHO), it originates from glial cells (especially astrocytes) in the brain. Due to its rapid growth characteristics, it causes serious neurological symptoms in a short time. Characterized by vascular proliferation and necrosis. Tumor cells tend to infiltrate surrounding brain tissue. Average age of occurrence is between 55-65 years. Standard treatment protocol includes surgical resection followed by concurrent chemoradiotherapy and adjuvant chemotherapy (Stupp protocol). Despite optimal treatment, median survival is around 12-15 months.

Symptoms

Diagnosis Methods

Diagnosis is made with contrast-enhanced brain MRI - typically showing ring-shaped contrast enhancement and central necrosis. CT evaluates calcification and hemorrhage areas. Definitive diagnosis is made by pathological examination after stereotactic biopsy or surgical resection. Advanced imaging methods (perfusion MRI, MR spectroscopy, PET-CT) can be used to assess tumor grade and metabolic activity.

Treatment Methods

Glioblastoma treatment requires a multidisciplinary approach. The first step is maximal safe surgical resection - using techniques such as neuronavigation, intraoperative MRI, 5-ALA fluorescence, and awake craniotomy to preserve functional areas. Concurrent chemoradiotherapy is initiated within 2-4 weeks after surgery (temozolomide + 60 Gy radiotherapy, 6 weeks). This is followed by 6-12 cycles of adjuvant temozolomide chemotherapy. TTFields (tumor treating fields) device with electric field therapy may be an additional option.