Brain Tumor Awareness Month 2025

Glioblastoma (also known as glioblastoma multiforme or GBM), is the most aggressive type of brain tumor. It is non-genetic, rapidly forming, and the causes of it are unclear. The current treatment options are composed of surgery, radiation and chemotherapy - however are ineffective for long-term survival. The median survival of a person diagnosed with glioblastoma is about 15 months, and without treatment, the number drastically drops to 3-6 months.

There is currently no cure for Glioblastoma. The current standard of care is composed of surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy. In many cases, medical advisors may suggest a combination of these different techniques. Each patient is different, therefore each treatment, each prognosis, and many other factors will be unique to your particular situation.

According to Cedars Sinai, Glioblastoma symptoms vary, and certain symptoms may have to do with the location of your tumor. Symptoms may include:

Headaches, Loss of appetite, Loss of balance or trouble walking, Mood swings, Nausea and vomiting, Personality and behavior changes, Problems speaking, Problems with memory, Seizures, Sensation changes, Trouble concentrating, Vision changes, and Weakness.

As many of these symptoms may be caused by other health problems, it is important to contact your medical provider to receive an accurate diagnosis.

The first step in a Glioblastoma diagnosis starts by visiting your healthcare provider in which you’ll be asked a series of questions regarding your health, your medical history and your family history. During this appointment, it is possible that your medical provider will perform a series of exams to check your vision, hearing, sense of touch, strength, reflexes, and memory. If your medical provider believes you may be at risk of a tumor, they may request additional testing be done to ensure an accurate diagnosis with tests such as:

• MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging): Used to assist in locating tumors, identifying swelling, identifying blood build-up, as well areas affected by stroke.

• CT scan (Computed Tomography): This test can assist in locating areas of fresh bleeding, skull bone changes, as well as calcium deposits.

• Magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS): This test measures biochemical processes in different parts of the brain. Note: It can be done as part of an MRI.

• Needle biopsy: A CT scan or MRI is used to guide a needle into the tumor to take out a small piece of it for testing.

• Blood or other tests: These can help show how well certain organs are working and give an idea of your overall health.

The average survival time for a patient with Glioblastoma is 12-18 months. 25% of glioblastoma patients survive more than one year, and only 5% of patients survive more than five years. It is important to remember that each patient is different, which means each situation will be different. A prognosis given at the initial time of diagnosis may be based off your current tumor type and current situation, however may change once treatment begins as other factors can be taken into account as time progresses (ex. how well you respond to treatment).

Note: A prognosis is an ongoing process and can be revised at different stages throughout your journey. Statistics and averages cannot tell you what will specifically happen to you. It is important to connect with your medical provider and healthcare team throughout your process for accurate, and unique information that is specific to you.

Research shows that males are 60% more likely to develop glioblastoma overall than females - which may be linked to testosterone, although sex differences are an understudied area of research.

There are currently over 1500 clinical trials for Glioblastoma as identified on Clinicaltrials.gov. To learn more about clinical trials and enrolment eligibility, please contact your medical provider or refer to the Clinicaltrials.gov.