Glioblastoma: Overview of Disease and Treatment

Abstract

Background: Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common and aggressive malignant brain tumor in adults. Current treatment options at diagnosis are multimodal and include surgical resection, radiation, and chemotherapy. Significant advances in the understanding of the molecular pathology of GBM and associated cell signaling pathways have opened opportunities for new therapies for recurrent and newly diagnosed disease. Innovative treatments, such as tumor-treating fields (TTFields) and immunotherapy, give hope for enhanced survival.

Objectives: This article reviews the background, risks, common complications, and treatment options for GBM.

Methods: A brief review of GBM, treatment options, and a look at new therapies that have been approved for new and recurrent disease are included in this article.

Findings: Despite aggressive resection and combined modality adjuvant treatment, most GBMs recur. Treatments, such as TTFields, drugs to target molecular receptors, and immunotherapy, are promising new options.

Keywords: genomic profiling; glioblastoma; molecularly targeted therapy; radiation; surgery; temozolomide; tumor-treating fields (TTFields).

Figures

FIGURE 1. Radiographic Features of Glioblastoma on Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Note. Images used with permission.

FIGURE 2. Common Glioblastoma-Related Complications

Note. Based on information from Lacy et al., 2012; Pruitt, 2015; Shah & Morrison, 2013.