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Treatment Options for Glioblastoma Multiforme
Goals of Treatment for Glioblastoma Multiforme
The treatment options for glioblastoma multiforme depend on a number of factors including the location and size of the tumor and the patient's age and overall health status. In general, if the tumor is located in an area of the brain where it can be safely debulked (removed), surgery is the first line of treatment for patients with newly diagnosed glioblastoma. Unfortunately, because glioblastoma grows rapidly and invades nearby healthy brain tissue, surgery is not a curative treatment for glioblastoma multiforme. Following surgery, radiation therapy and chemotherapy are also used as adjunctive therapies to prevent recurrence of the tumor.
The goals of treatment for glioblastoma multiforme include:
- Surgical removal of the tumor (debulking) for tumors that are operable.
- Destroying residual cancer cells that remain after surgery by radiation therapy and chemotherapy to prevent tumor recurrence.
- Controlling signs and symptoms associated with the disease (headaches, seizures, focal neurological deficits)
- Enabling the patient to function and maintain the highest possible quality of life.
- Prolonging survival.
