What is the first treatment for glioblastoma?

A specialist team first studies brain scans, neurological findings and tissue from surgery. The operation may aim to remove visible tumour, obtain tissue for diagnosis, or both. The surgeon balances tumour removal with protection of speech, movement, vision and other brain functions. Surgery is not suitable for every location or every person.

After recovery, radiotherapy is often planned for the area at risk of remaining tumour cells. Chemotherapy may be given alongside or after radiotherapy, depending on the pathology, overall health and treatment goals. The exact order can change when swelling, medical conditions or the tumour position affect safety.

Ask for the plan in writing: the proposed operation, the tissue tests needed, when treatment may start, and how side effects will be managed. Tell the team about medicines, seizures, allergies and any change in strength, speech or memory. If fertility, work, driving or caring responsibilities matter to you, raise them before treatment begins.

Keep copies of scan reports and pathology results. A consultation with a neuro-oncology team can help coordinate brain tumour surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy, while a clinical trial may be discussed when it fits the diagnosis and goals.

Seek emergency help for a first seizure, a seizure lasting longer than usual, sudden weakness, new trouble speaking, severe confusion, collapse, or a rapidly worsening headache with repeated vomiting. After surgery, urgent assessment is also needed for fever, increasing drowsiness, wound redness or fluid leakage. Do not drive yourself during a neurological emergency.

Ask which brain functions are close to the tumour, what surgery can realistically achieve, what the tissue results show, and how radiotherapy or chemotherapy will fit around recovery. Ask which symptoms should trigger a call, how seizures will be managed, and whether a suitable clinical trial is available.