Glioblastoma, or GBM, is the most common and aggressive primary brain tumor. It can sometimes grow rapidly before symptoms appear. Although highly malignant, it seldom metastasizes (spreads) to the spinal cord or outside the nervous system.

Symptoms

GBM symptoms are often caused by the tumor's growing size, which increases pressure in the skull and on the brain. Specific symptoms may suggest a tumor's location, size or type. A seizure may be the first indication of a brain tumor or an early sign that one has come back. Most patients also experience headaches at some point while it's present.

Other symptoms may include:

• Change in vision

• Changes in personality, memory and speech

• Nausea or vomiting

• Weakness or loss of feeling in the arms and legs

• Drowsiness

A national leader in brain tumor care

UF Health’s brain tumor program is part of the Preston A. Wells Jr. Center for Brain Tumor Therapy and is ranked among the nation’s best.

We offer a full spectrum of cancer treatment. This includes:

• Minimally invasive biopsies

• Surgical resection

• Systemic therapy

• Advanced radiation techniques

• Latest immunotherapies

Glioblastoma care at UF Health

At UF Health, glioblastoma care begins with a complete evaluation from a multidisciplinary team. Patients will see specialists in neurosurgery, oncology and radiation therapy. A tumor board composed of neurology, pathology, radiology and other surgical specialties will review their cases. All of this takes place under one roof.

Treatment plans are tailored to each patient and may include:

• Surgery: To remove as much of the tumor as possible. Methods include advanced image-guided techniques, laser ablation, fluorescence-guided surgery, intraoperative imaging and awake brain mapping

• Radiation therapy: To target and destroy remaining cancer cells. This includes specialized techniques using stereotaxis (to target the tumor and spare normal structures) and proton beam radiation

• Chemotherapy and treatment against certain mutations or targets: To help slow tumor growth, often after surgery and radiation

• Supportive care: To help patients maintain quality of life through physical therapy, occupational therapy and counseling

UF Health is also a leading academic medical center. This means patients benefit from the latest research, innovations and clinical trials in brain tumor care.

Prognosis

The survival rates in people with brain tumors depend on many variables:

• Tumor grade

• Tendency to spread

• Growth rate

• Tumor location (affects whether surgery can remove it)

• Patient age and ability to function

• Duration of symptoms

The prognosis for many malignant brain tumors is guarded. Because of this, supporting patients and preserving quality of life are critical components of treatment.