Can glioblastoma be cured?

Glioblastoma, also called GBM, grows within the brain and often has fine extensions that cannot be seen or safely removed during surgery. For this reason, an operation is usually followed by other treatment rather than being considered the whole treatment. Doctors may use scans, examination findings, the tumour's location, and laboratory information from a biopsy to assess the situation.

A scan showing no visible tumour after treatment does not always mean that every tumour cell has gone. Your team may use the terms response, stable disease, or recurrence to describe what happens over time. The outlook differs between people, so a specialist can explain what the findings mean for you instead of applying a general prediction.

Care is usually coordinated by specialists in brain tumours. Brain tumour surgery may be used to obtain tissue for diagnosis and remove as much tumour as can be reached safely. Radiotherapy can target the area where the tumour was found, while chemotherapy may be used to affect tumour cells throughout the body and brain according to the treatment plan.

Treatment choices depend on the tumour's position, your neurological function, general health, previous treatment, and your priorities. Rehabilitation may help with movement, speech, thinking, or daily activities. Ask for a written plan that includes the purpose of each treatment, likely effects, scan schedule, and who to contact if symptoms change. Clinical trials may be an option for some people and should be discussed with the treating team.

Contact your oncology or neurosurgery team promptly for a new or worsening seizure, increasing weakness or numbness, a severe or rapidly worsening headache, repeated vomiting, new confusion, marked drowsiness, or a sudden change in speech, vision, balance, or behaviour. Call emergency services for a seizure that does not stop, loss of consciousness, trouble breathing, or sudden severe neurological symptoms. Do not drive yourself after a seizure or sudden change in neurological function.

Which parts of the tumour were removed, and what did the biopsy show? What is the aim of the next treatment? How will you judge whether treatment is helping? Which symptoms should prompt a same-day call? Could rehabilitation, seizure treatment, or help with steroids improve daily function? Is a clinical trial appropriate for my diagnosis and current treatment stage?