Glioblastoma - Symptoms & Causes

What is glioblastoma? 

Glioblastoma, also known as glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), is the most common and most aggressive form of primary brain tumour in adults. It originates from the supportive tissue of the brain known as astrocytes that surround and support neurons. Glioblastomas are particularly challenging to treat due to their highly invasive and fast-growing nature.

How rare is it? Is it always fatal? 

Glioblastoma is relatively rare. Although it is considered a serious and life-threatening condition, it is not always immediately fatal.  

The prognosis for glioblastoma is generally poor. However, survival rates can vary based on several factors, including the patient's age, overall health, and how well the tumour responds to treatment.

What are the symptoms of glioblastoma? 

The symptoms of glioblastoma are varied and often depend on the location and size of the tumour. Common symptoms include: 

• Persistent headaches 
• Nausea and vomiting 
• Seizures 
• Memory loss or cognitive impairments 
• Changes in mood or personality 
• Difficulty with speech or comprehension 
• Sensory and motor deficits, such as weakness or numbness in parts of the body

What causes glioblastoma? 

The exact cause of glioblastoma is not well understood. Most cases appear randomly, with no identifiable cause.

However, a small number of cases are linked to genetic disorders such as neurofibromatosis type 1, Turcot syndrome, and Li-Fraumeni syndrome. Other potential risk factors include age, with most cases occurring in adults aged 45 to 70, and a slightly higher incidence in males compared to females. 

With genetic testing, there are more genes that have been identified that affect the progression and treatment of glioblastoma. Isocitrate dehydrogenase 1 & 2 (IDH-1 & IDH-2 mutations have been found to confer a better prognosis for GBM whereas GBM with IDH wild-type have a much worse prognosis. O6-methylguanine-DNA-methyltransferase (MGMT) promotor methylation confers better response to chemotherapy with temozolomide.

What are the complications for glioblastoma? 

Glioblastoma can cause several complications, including: 

• Increased intracranial pressure from the tumour or associated swelling, leading to worsening headaches, nausea, and dizziness 
• Hydrocephalus, or accumulation of fluid in the brain 
• Progressive neurological deficits as the tumour invades more brain areas 
• Seizures due to brain invasion and swelling caused by tumour growth 

These complications will need to be identified early and treated by your attending physician or surgeon.

How do you prevent glioblastoma? 

Currently, there are no known preventive measures for glioblastoma due to its unclear causes. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle and managing risk factors for general health conditions may help, but they do not specifically prevent glioblastoma.