Glioblastoma brain cancer (GBM) is the most dangerous and aggressive form of brain cancer.
GBM is classified as a grade IV astrocytoma.
GBM cells grow rapidly, with large number of cells reproducing at any given time. As a tumor grows, it leads to pressure on the brain, causing symptoms such as headaches, nausea, vomiting, and drowsiness.
GBM is challenging to treat because the cells within the tumor are very resistant to treatments. Doctors may try a variety of treatments to slow the growth of the tumor, but a cure and/or long term treatment options are still needed.
An estimated 14,490 people will receive a GBM diagnosis in 2023.
GBM accounts for 50.1% of all primary malignant brain tumors.
The five-year survival rate for glioblastoma patients is only 6.9 percent, and the average length of survival for glioblastoma patients is estimated to be only 8 months.
Survival rates and mortality statistics for GBM have been virtually unchanged for decades.
Brain Cancer News
From UCLA, Dr. Timothy D. Cloughesy; “New drug delays progression of glioma, a deadly brain cancer.”
From The Wall Street Journal, “Treatment Breakthrough for a Intractable Cancer.”
SurVaxM: Immunotherapy for Glioblastoma showing promise in clinical trials. Video: Experimental vaccine shows promise in delaying the return of aggressive brain tumor.
RELEVANT LINKS
Meeting the Challenge of Glioblastoma - UCLA Article
American Brain Tumor Association
American Association of Neurological Surgeons