Glioblastoma (GBM), also referred to as a grade IV astrocytoma, is a fast-growing and aggressive brain tumor.Symptoms
Symptoms vary depending on the location of the brain tumor, but may include any of the following:
Persistent headaches
Double or blurred vision
Vomiting
Loss of appetite
Changes in mood and personality
Changes in ability to think and learn
New onset of seizures
Speech difficulty of gradual onset(1)GBMs present unique treatment challenges due to:
Localization of tumors in the brain
Inherent resistance to conventional therapy
Limited capacity of the brain to repair itself
Migration of malignant cells into adjacent brain tissue
The variably disrupted tumor blood supply, which inhibits effective drug delivery
Tumor capillary leakage, resulting in an accumulation of fluid around the tumor, (peritumoral edema) and intracranial hypertension
Tumor-induced seizures
The resultant neurotoxicity of treatments directed at gliomas
Prevalence and Incidence
Glioblastoma is the most common malignant brain and other CNS tumors accounting for 47.7% of all cases.