Written by:Fact check:

Overview

What Is Glioblastoma?

Glioblastoma is an aggressive primary brain cancer that can grow into nearby brain tissue. Glioblastoma multiforme is an older name for this condition. It develops from glial cells, which support nerve cells in the brain or spinal cord. Although it can affect adults at different ages, it is more common in older adults.

Symptoms

Glioblastoma Symptoms

Glioblastoma symptoms can develop gradually or sometimes appear suddenly. They depend on which part of the brain is affected, how quickly the tumor grows, and whether it increases pressure or disrupts nearby brain functions.

  • New or worsening headaches may become more frequent or severe than usual.
  • Seizures can cause jerking, staring, altered awareness, or other unusual movements.
  • Nausea or vomiting may occur, sometimes along with a worsening headache.
  • Weakness or numbness may affect one side of the body or a specific limb.
  • Vision changes can include blurred, double, or lost vision.
  • Speech or language difficulty may make it hard to speak, understand, read, or find words.
  • Balance or coordination problems can cause unsteadiness or difficulty walking.
  • Memory or concentration changes may interfere with everyday tasks.
  • Personality or behavior changes may be noticed by the person or by family members.
  • Unusual sleepiness can include excessive drowsiness or reduced alertness.

Seek urgent care

Get prompt medical evaluation

A first seizure, sudden weakness, sudden speech trouble, severe confusion, or a rapidly worsening headache requires urgent medical evaluation. These symptoms can have several serious causes and should not be assumed to indicate glioblastoma.

Causes

Causes of Glioblastoma

Glioblastoma begins when cells acquire DNA and molecular changes that allow abnormal growth, invasion into nearby tissue, and resistance to normal growth controls. These changes affect how the cells divide, survive, and interact with the surrounding brain.

  • Most glioblastomas develop without a single identifiable cause.
  • A small number develop from a previously lower-grade glioma.
  • Rare inherited conditions can increase the risk of certain brain tumors.

Risk Factors

Glioblastoma Risk Factors

  • Older age is associated with a higher risk of glioblastoma.
  • A small number of inherited cancer syndromes can increase susceptibility.
  • Prior exposure to high-dose ionizing radiation to the head is a recognized risk factor.
  • Having a close relative with glioblastoma may be associated with a slightly increased risk, although most cases are not inherited.

Side Effects & Complications

Glioblastoma Complications and Treatment Side Effects

Possible complications and treatment effects

The tumor can cause seizures, brain swelling, cognitive or communication changes, movement problems, and loss of independence. Surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, corticosteroids, and antiseizure medicines may also cause fatigue, nausea, hair loss, mood changes, infection risk, swelling, or cognitive changes, depending on the treatment and the person’s health. The treating team can explain which effects are expected and how they can be managed.

Contact the care team

Report new or worsening problems

Promptly report new seizures, worsening weakness, increasing confusion, severe headache, repeated vomiting, fever, or concerning medication reactions to the treating team.

Diagnosis & Staging

Diagnosis and Grading of Glioblastoma

Diagnosis usually begins with a neurological examination and brain MRI with contrast. Additional imaging may be needed to clarify the tumor’s location and effects. Surgery or a biopsy provides tumor tissue for examination and confirms the diagnosis.

Pathology and molecular classification

TermWhat it means for glioblastoma
GradeHow abnormal and aggressive the tumor cells appear under examination.
Molecular featuresBiological markers, including IDH status and MGMT promoter methylation, that help classify the tumor and inform treatment or prognosis.
Extent of diseaseWhere the tumor is located, how much can be safely removed or treated, and how it has spread within the brain.

Treatment Options

Glioblastoma Treatment Options

SURGERY

Remove as much tumor as can be safely taken out while protecting brain function.

RADIATION THERAPY

Treat remaining tumor cells after surgery or manage disease that cannot be removed.

CHEMOTHERAPY

Use medicines such as temozolomide according to the treatment plan and tumor characteristics.

TUMOR-TREATING FIELDS

Consider wearable electrical-field therapy for selected patients as part of specialist care.

Supportive care

Outlook and Prognosis

Glioblastoma Outlook and Prognosis

Glioblastoma is an aggressive cancer that often returns despite treatment. However, prognosis varies with age, overall health, tumor location, molecular features, treatment response, and how much tumor can be safely removed. A neuro-oncology team can interpret these factors together for an individual patient.

Age, health, tumor biology, treatment response, and extent of safe removal

Prognostic factors

Published survival figures are averages from groups and may not reflect current treatment or an individual patient

Important limitation

Survivorship & Follow-up

Glioblastoma Survivorship and Follow-up

Follow-up usually includes scheduled neurological visits and repeat MRI scans. The timing is individualized according to treatment, symptoms, and the treating team’s protocol. Ongoing care may focus on monitoring for recurrence, managing treatment effects, and supporting daily function and quality of life.

  • Attend follow-up appointments and brain imaging as scheduled.
  • Report new or changing neurological symptoms promptly.
  • Review ongoing medicines and seizure control with the care team.
  • Use physical, occupational, speech, or cognitive rehabilitation when recommended.
  • Ask for emotional, social, palliative, hospice, or caregiver support when needed.

Branches

2 topics