Understanding Glioblastoma in a Simple Way

Updated on October 12, 2022

Understanding Glioblastoma can be difficult for many patients, but understanding it can help them cope with the disease. If you’re facing this disease, you’ll want to know the symptoms and treatment options. In this article, you’ll learn about IDH mutant Glioblastoma and the symptoms it causes.

Symptoms of Glioblastoma

The symptoms of Glioblastoma vary from patient to patient and are usually related to the tumor’s location and increased pressure on the brain near the tumor. Some symptoms include headaches that don’t feel like regular headaches and nausea. Others involve loss of consciousness. In many cases, a person will experience seizures, which can take many forms. While most associate seizures with uncontrollable leg or arm movements, others may experience visual or sensory changes. If the tumor is in the brain, it will be found there and produce symptoms if it is in some areas of the brain, like the cerebrum. This tumor can cause permanent damage to the brain and can be life-threatening. In addition, if it’s not treated quickly, the symptoms of Glioblastoma can spread to other parts of the body, making it very difficult to lead an everyday life. Glioblastoma Foundation professionals continue to bring awareness to everyone who has loved ones or someone personally experiencing symptoms of Glioblastoma that there is still hope. Such foundations are committed to raising public awareness of this aggressive brain-supporting cancer research that will lead to new treatments and improved longer patient lives and more effective treatments.

Chemotherapy is an integral part of the treatment for Glioblastoma. It works by using drugs to kill cancer cells. During surgery, a doctor may place thin circular wafers containing chemotherapy medicine into the brain. Patients may also receive other types of chemotherapy, such as temozolomide (Temodar), which is given through a vein in the arm.

MRI tests are also crucial for diagnosing Glioblastoma. The MRI scan will identify potential glioblastomas, but a biopsy of the tissues is necessary for a definitive diagnosis. In addition, the MRI will reveal if there are tumor cells inside the skull.

Treatment Options for Glioblastoma Multiforme

Glioblastoma multiforme is an aggressive glioma typically present at an advanced stage. The disease has a poor prognosis and is one of the most common forms of brain cancer. It accounts for seventy percent to eighty percent of all CNS malignant tumors. Although this type of tumor is often difficult to diagnose, it can be easily distinguished from other types of brain tumors through imaging.

Glioblastoma multiforme treatment options include surgery and radiation. While surgery is the standard initial treatment, radiation and chemotherapy may also be used. Radiation therapy has a risk of causing radiation-induced neoplasms and may cause gait and urinary problems.

There is no specific cure for glioblastoma multi-forme. However, it can lead to symptoms including vision, hearing, and nausea. Treatment for a GBM is determined by a doctor’s assessment of the signs and the extent of the tumor. MRI and CT scans can identify the exact location and size of cancer, and a biopsy can reveal the cellular makeup of the tumor.

While aggressive treatment plans can extend the patient’s life, the risks are significant. In addition to the potential for post-surgical changes, radiation therapy can lead to strokes, meningiomas, and vascular dementia. Therefore, the patient must understand these risks and make an informed decision about their treatment. Some foundations, like the Glioblastoma Foundation, are dedicated to extending the life expectancy of those diagnosed with this disease through funding clinical trials and treatment development. Launches several initiatives in support of its national commitment to ensuring accessible, individualized patient care and treatment

Treatment Options for IDH Mutant Glioblastoma

IDH-mutant glioblastomas are radiosensitive, but they can also be treated with chemotherapy. This approach requires a precise diagnosis and molecular analysis. In addition to the diagnosis, the tumor should be genetically confirmed before any treatment is started.

The prognosis of patients with IDH mutant glioblastomas is better than that of patients with other types of gliomas, which may result from their IDH mutation. Treatment decisions are increasingly guided by IDH mutation status, which may help predict response to therapy.

A molecular marker panel assay can confirm the presence of IDH mutation. The mutation can be tested using a specific gene panel or assessing the 1p/19q codeletion status. IDH-mutant astrocytomas are now categorized into three WHO grades: IDH-mutant, WHO grade 3, and IDH-mutant, WHO grade 4. However, it is essential to note that IDH-mutant astrocytic gliomas are biologically distinct from IDH-wild-type Glioblastoma.

Patients with advanced disease may benefit from chemotherapy, including concurrent radiotherapy. In addition, patients with large tumors may benefit from chemotherapy alone. However, chemotherapy alone may shorten PFS in IDH-mutant astrocytomas. Aside from chemotherapy, patients should consider counseling and occupational therapy.

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