Glioblastoma Guide: Essential Care & Hope

Glioblastoma: Understanding the Most Aggressive Brain Tumor

Glioblastoma is one of the most challenging and aggressive brain tumors known today. It develops from glial cells, grows rapidly, and infiltrates healthy brain tissue, making treatment complex and urgent. Because glioblastoma progresses quickly, early diagnosis and comprehensive care are essential for improving outcomes. Modern medical centers such as Liv Hospital offer advanced diagnostic methods, personalized treatment programs, and multidisciplinary medical teams to support patients facing glioblastoma at every stage of the journey.

In this detailed guide, you will learn what glioblastoma is, how it develops, its symptoms, treatment options, and the importance of specialized care. To help patients and families better understand this condition, the term glioblastoma will be used throughout this article.

What is Glioblastoma

Glioblastoma is a grade 4 malignant brain tumor that originates in glial cells, specifically astrocytes. Because glioblastoma cells divide rapidly and spread across brain tissue, it is considered highly aggressive. Unlike many cancers, glioblastoma rarely metastasizes outside the brain, but its local invasiveness makes treatment difficult.

Glioblastoma can occur at any age but is most commonly diagnosed in adults between 45 and 70. Although the exact cause of glioblastoma remains unclear, genetic mutations and molecular changes play a major role in tumor formation. At Liv Hospital, specialists use advanced imaging and genetic testing to identify the characteristics of each glioblastoma case, allowing precise and tailored treatment plans.

Causes and Risk Factors of Glioblastoma

Researchers continue to investigate the biological mechanisms of glioblastoma. While glioblastoma often develops without a clear reason, several risk factors increase the likelihood of its occurrence.

Genetic Factors

Some patients with glioblastoma have inherited gene alterations or mutations that increase susceptibility. However, most glioblastoma cases are not hereditary.

Age

The risk of glioblastoma increases with age, particularly after 50.

Exposure to Radiation

Previous radiation therapy to the head can increase the risk of developing glioblastoma.

Immune System Disorders

Individuals with weakened immune systems may have a slightly higher risk of glioblastoma.

Liv Hospital offers genetic counseling and advanced screenings to help identify possible risk indicators for glioblastoma.

Symptoms of Glioblastoma

Glioblastoma symptoms vary depending on tumor size, growth rate, and location within the brain. Because glioblastoma affects essential brain functions, symptoms can appear suddenly or progress over weeks.

Common signs of glioblastoma include:

• Persistent and worsening headaches
• Seizures with no previous history
• Nausea and vomiting caused by increased brain pressure
• Difficulty speaking or understanding speech
• Memory problems and confusion
• Weakness or numbness on one side of the body
• Vision changes such as blurred or double vision
• Difficulty with balance or coordination
• Personality or behavioral changes

At Liv Hospital, neurologists and oncologists use MRI scans, CT scans, and neurological examinations to evaluate symptoms and detect glioblastoma early.

How Glioblastoma is Diagnosed

Accurate diagnosis is crucial in managing glioblastoma. Specialists rely on advanced imaging and pathology tests to confirm the presence and type of tumor.

MRI Scan

Magnetic Resonance Imaging is the most effective imaging method for detecting glioblastoma. It reveals tumor location, size, and involvement in surrounding tissues.

CT Scan

CT scans provide additional detail for surgical planning, especially in emergencies.

Biopsy

A biopsy is essential to diagnose glioblastoma. During the procedure, a small tissue sample is analyzed in the laboratory to confirm malignant cell type and genetic profile.

Molecular Testing

Genetic analysis helps determine whether the glioblastoma contains mutations such as IDH, EGFR, or MGMT promoter methylation, which influence treatment choices.

Liv Hospital’s diagnostic units use high-resolution imaging and molecular testing to ensure accurate diagnosis and personalized glioblastoma treatment planning.

Types of Glioblastoma

Glioblastoma is classified into two primary forms based on genetic and cellular characteristics:

Primary Glioblastoma

Primary glioblastoma develops rapidly and is the most common type. It typically affects older adults.

Secondary Glioblastoma

Secondary glioblastoma progresses from a lower-grade astrocytoma and is more common in younger patients. It tends to evolve more slowly but eventually becomes as aggressive as primary glioblastoma.

Liv Hospital uses advanced testing to determine whether a patient has primary or secondary glioblastoma, which helps guide treatment decisions.

Treatment Options for Glioblastoma

Glioblastoma treatment usually involves a combination of surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and supportive care. Because glioblastoma is aggressive and deeply infiltrates the brain, treatment focuses on prolonging survival, slowing tumor progression, and improving quality of life.

Surgery

Surgery is typically the first step in treating glioblastoma. The goal is to remove as much of the tumor as possible. Complete removal is difficult due to the infiltrative nature of glioblastoma, but partial removal improves outcomes.

Liv Hospital neurosurgeons use navigation-guided surgery, awake craniotomy, and intraoperative monitoring to safely remove glioblastoma tissue while protecting vital brain functions.

Radiation Therapy

After surgery, radiation therapy targets remaining glioblastoma cells. It is one of the most effective methods for controlling tumor growth. Techniques such as stereotactic radiosurgery and intensity-modulated radiation therapy provide precise treatment.

Chemotherapy

Temozolomide is the standard chemotherapy drug used for glioblastoma. It is often combined with radiation therapy and continued afterward to reduce the likelihood of tumor recurrence.

Targeted Therapy

Targeted therapies attack genetic mutations found in glioblastoma cells. These treatments may block tumor growth signals or disrupt blood supply to the tumor.

Tumor Treating Fields

This noninvasive therapy uses electrical fields to inhibit the division of glioblastoma cells. It is worn on the scalp and used alongside chemotherapy.

Supportive Care

Patients with glioblastoma often require physical therapy, speech therapy, and psychological support. Liv Hospital offers comprehensive rehabilitation programs to help patients maintain quality of life during and after treatment.

Glioblastoma Prognosis and Life Expectancy

Glioblastoma is known for being difficult to treat, but advancements in medical technology have improved patient outcomes. Prognosis depends on several factors, including:

• Patient age
• Tumor location and size
• Completeness of surgical removal
• Genetic mutations
• Overall health

While glioblastoma remains a serious diagnosis, personalized treatment programs at Liv Hospital help extend survival and improve day-to-day functioning.

Living with Glioblastoma

Living with glioblastoma requires ongoing medical care, emotional support, and lifestyle adjustments. Patients benefit from:

• Regular follow-up visits
• Monitoring with MRI scans
• Rehabilitation therapy
• Nutritional counseling
• Psychological support

Liv Hospital emphasizes a holistic approach to glioblastoma care by involving neurologists, oncologists, radiologists, psychologists, and rehabilitation specialists.

Research and Future Directions for Glioblastoma Treatment

Research on glioblastoma is progressing rapidly. Investigators are exploring new drug therapies, immunotherapy, gene therapy, and innovative surgical methods. Immunotherapy aims to activate the immune system to recognize and destroy glioblastoma cells. Gene therapy works on correcting or blocking defective genes. Stem cell research also shows potential for future glioblastoma treatments.

Liv Hospital collaborates with research institutions worldwide and integrates new scientific advancements into glioblastoma treatment programs whenever possible.

Conclusion

Glioblastoma is one of the most complex and aggressive brain tumors, but modern medicine continues to develop new ways to diagnose and treat it. Through surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, and supportive therapies, patients with glioblastoma can achieve better outcomes and improved quality of life.

Liv Hospital remains a leading center for glioblastoma treatment, offering advanced technology, experienced specialists, and compassionate patient care. With a comprehensive, personalized approach, Liv Hospital helps patients and families face glioblastoma with strength, knowledge, and hope.

*  Liv Hospital Editorial Board  has contributed to the publication of this content .
* Contents of this page is for informational purposes only. Please consult your doctor for diagnosis and treatment. The content of this page does not include information on medicinal health care at Liv Hospital .

For more information about our academic and training initiatives, visit Liv Hospital Academy

Frequently Asked Questions