Glioblastoma multiforme
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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1];Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Marjan Khan M.B.B.S.[2]
Synonyms and keywords: Spongioblastoma multiforme; glioblastoma; glioblastomas; GBM; GBMs; G.B.M; grade IV astrocytoma; grade IV astrocytomas; astrocytoma, grade IV; undifferentiated glioma; grade IV malignant astrocytoma; grade IV malignant glioma; kernohan grade IV astrocytoma; St. Anne/Mayo astrocytoma grade 4; butterfly glioma
Overview
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Marjan Khan M.B.B.S.[2]
Overview
Glioblastoma multiforme, also known as glioblastoma, is the most common adult primary intracranial neoplasm worldwide. Glioblastoma multiforme may be classified into several subtypes based on the origin and molecular alterations. On gross pathology, the characteristic findings of glioblastoma multiforme include a poorly-marginated, diffusely infiltrating, firm or gelatinous mass with a central necrotic core. On microscopic histopathological analysis, the characteristic findings of glioblastoma multiforme include pleomorphic astrocytes with marked atypia, mitosis, necrosis, and microvascular proliferation. The incidence of glioblastoma multiforme is estimated to be 3.2 cases per 100,000 individuals worldwide. Glioblastoma multiforme is a common disease that tends to affect older adults and the elderly population. The median age at diagnosis is 64 years. Males are more commonly affected with glioblastoma multiforme than females. Common risk factors in the development of glioblastoma multiforme are radiation exposure, viruses, polyvinyl chloride, alcohol, and genetic disorders. Common complications of glioblastoma multiforme include herniation, systemic illness, brainstem invasion by tumor, neutron-induced cerebral injury, weakness, fatigue, numbness, surgical complications, and coma. Prognosis is generally poor, and the 5-year survival rate of patients with glioblastoma multiforme is less than 10%. Symptoms of glioblastoma multiforme include headache, seizure, memory loss, irritability, changes in speech, difficulty reading or concentrating, drowsiness, nausea, vomiting, muscle weakness, sensory loss, diplopia, blurred vision, vertigo, hearing loss, and hiccups. Common physical examination findings of glioblastoma multiforme include personality changes, memory loss, aphasia, hemiparesis, sensory loss, and ataxia. Head CT scan and brain MRI are helpful in the diagnosis of glioblastoma multiforme. On head CT scan, glioblastoma multiforme is characterized by a butterfly shaped mass with marked midline shift, irregular and heterogenous enhancement of margins, necrotic center, surrounding vasogenic edema, and hemorrhage. On brain MRI, glioblastoma multiforme is characterized by hypointense mass on T1-weighted MRI and hyperintense mass on T2-weighted MRI. The predominant therapy for glioblastoma multiforme is surgical resection. Adjunctive chemotherapy and radiation may be required. Supportive therapy for glioblastoma multiforme includes anticonvulsants and corticosteroids.
Historical Perspective
The term glioblastoma multiforme was first coined by Percival Bailey and Harvey Cushing in 1926.
Classification
Glioblastoma multiforme may be classified into several subtypes based on the origin (primary and secondary) and molecular alterations (classic, proneural, mesenchymal, and neural).
Pathophysiology
Genes involved in the pathogenesis of glioblastoma multiforme include Mdm2, PTEN, IDH1, p53, EGFR, PDGFRA, and chromosomes 10p, 10q, 17p, and 19q. On gross pathology, the characteristic findings of glioblastoma multiforme include a poorly-marginated, diffusely infiltrating, firm or gelatinous mass with a central necrotic core. On microscopic histopathological analysis, the characteristic findings of glioblastoma multiforme include pleomorphic astrocytes with marked atypia, mitosis, necrosis, and microvascular proliferation.
Causes
There are no established causes for glioblastoma multiforme.
Differentiating brain tumors from other diseases
Glioblastoma multiforme must be differentiated from cerebral metastasis, primary CNS lymphoma, cerebral abscess, anaplastic astrocytoma, tumefactive demyelination, stroke, cerebral toxoplasmosis, radiation necrosis, encephalitis, oligodendroglioma, and seizure disorder.
Epidemiology and Demographics
Glioblastoma multiforme is the the most common adult primary intracranial neoplasm worldwide. The incidence of glioblastoma multiforme is estimated to be 3.2 cases per 100,000 individuals worldwide. Glioblastoma multiforme is a common disease that tends to affect older adult and elderly population. The median age at diagnosis is 64 years. Males are more commonly affected with glioblastoma multiforme than females. The male to female ratio is approximately 1.5 to 1. Glioblastoma multiforme usually affects individuals of the Caucasian race.
Risk factors
Common risk factors in the development of glioblastoma multiforme are radiation exposure, viruses, polyvinyl chloride, alcohol, and genetic disorders.
Screening
Screening for glioblastoma multiforme is not recommended.
Natural History, Complications and Prognosis
If left untreated, glioblastoma multiforme may extend into the meninges, ventricular wall, or spinal cord. Common complications of glioblastoma multiforme include herniation, hydrocephalus, systemic illness, brainstem invasion by tumor, neutron-induced cerebral injury, weakness, fatigue, numbness, surgical complications, and coma. Prognosis is generally poor, and the 5-year survival rate of patients with glioblastoma multiforme is less than 10%.
Staging
There is no established system for the staging of glioblastoma multiforme.
History and Symptoms
Symptoms of glioblastoma multiforme include headache, seizure, memory loss, irritability, changes in speech, difficulty reading or concentrating, drowsiness, nausea, vomiting, muscle weakness, sensory loss, diplopia, blurred vision, vertigo, hearing loss, and hiccups.
Physical examination
Common physical examination findings of glioblastoma multiforme include personality changes, memory loss, aphasia, hemiparesis, sensory loss, and ataxia.
Laboratory Findings
There are no diagnostic lab findings associated with glioblastoma multiforme.
X Ray
There are no x-ray findings associated with glioblastoma multiforme.
CT
Head CT scan is helpful in the diagnosis of glioblastoma multiforme. On head CT scan, glioblastoma multiforme is characterized by a butterfly shaped mass with marked midline shift, irregular and heterogenous enhancement of margins, necrotic center, surrounding vasogenic edema, and hemorrhage.
MRI
Brain MRI is helpful in the diagnosis of glioblastoma multiforme. On brain MRI, glioblastoma multiforme is characterized by a butterfly shaped mass, which is hypointense on T1-weighted MRI and hyperintense on T2-weighted MRI.
Ultrasound
There are no ultrasound findings associated with glioblastoma multiforme.
Other Imaging Findings
Other imaging tests for glioblastoma multiforme include PET scan, which demonstrates accumulation of [18F]-fluorodeoxyglucose (increased glucose metabolism).
Other Diagnostic Studies
Other diagnostic studies for glioblastoma multiforme include biopsy, which demonstrates pleomorphic astroctyes with marked atypia and mitoses.
Medical Therapy
The predominant therapy for glioblastoma multiforme is surgical resection. Adjunctive chemotherapy and radiation may be required. Supportive therapy for glioblastoma multiforme includes anticonvulsants and corticosteroids.
Surgery
Surgery is the mainstay of treatment for glioblastoma multiforme.
Primary Prevention
There are no established measures for primary prevention of glioblastoma multiforme.
Secondary Prevention
There are no established measures for secondary prevention of glioblastoma multiforme.
References
Historical Perspective
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Marjan Khan M.B.B.S.[2]
Overview
The term “glioma” was first introduced by Rudolf Virchow in 1864. The suffix multiforme was meant to describe the various appearances of hemorrhage, necrosis, and cysts. the first successful removal of a brain tumor is credited to the Scottish neurosurgeon Sir William Macewen in 1879. The first successful removal of a brain tumor is credited to the Scottish neurosurgeon Sir William Macewen in 1879. In 1926 Percival Bailey and Harvey Cushing published “A Classification of the Tumors of the Glioma Group on a Histogenetic Basis with a Correlated Study of Prognosis” and the term “glioblastoma multiforme” (GBM) was coined. The WHO classification dropped the term multiforme and thus it is best referred as glioblastoma or grade IV astrocytoma.
Historical Perspective
- The term “glioma” was first introduced by Rudolf Virchow in 1864.
- The suffix multiforme was meant to describe the various appearances of hemorrhage, necrosis, and cysts.
- the first successful removal of a brain tumor is credited to the Scottish neurosurgeon Sir William Macewen in 1879.
- In 1922 Bailey and Cushing created a histological laboratory to examine Cushing’s collection of brain tumours found within his registry.
- In 1926 Percival Bailey and Harvey Cushing published “A Classification of the Tumors of the Glioma Group on a Histogenetic Basis with a Correlated Study of Prognosis” and the term “glioblastoma multiforme” (GBM) was coined.
- In 1940 neuropathologist Hans-Joachim Scherer made distinction between primary and secondary GBMs.
- Initially known as “spongioblastoma multiforme”, Bailey and Cushing adopted the term glioblastoma to limit confusion.
- In 1976 the International Classification of Diseases for Oncology (ICD-O) was created by the WHO for recording the incidence of malignancy and survival.
- In 1993, GBM was removed from its original category and placed in the spectrum of “Astrocytic Tumours” and is classed as WHO grade IV astrocytoma.
- The WHO classification dropped the term multiforme and thus it is best referred as glioblastoma or grade IV astrocytoma.
References
Classification
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Marjan Khan M.B.B.S.[2]
Overview
Glioblastoma multiforme may be classified into several subtypes based on the origin (primary and secondary) and molecular alterations (classic, proneural, mesenchymal, and neural).The heterogeneity of GBM profiles leads to different treatment efficacy among patients. The therapy must be personalized to target each patient’s alterations in the molecular level. [1]
Classification
Based on the origin
Glioblastoma multiforme may be classified according to the origin into two subtypes: Primary and secondary.
| Subtype of Glioblastoma multiforme | Characteristic features |
|---|---|
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- Primary GBM is the most common form (about 95%) and arises typically de novo, within 3–6 months, in older patients.
- Secondary GBM arises from prior low-grade astrocytomas (over 10–15 years) in younger patients.
- Primary and secondary forms show some molecular differences.
- The end result of both sub type is same since the same pathways are affected and respond similarly to current standard treatment.
- Primary GBM often has amplified and mutated epidermal-growth factor receptor (EGFR) which encodes altered EGF receptor.
- Secondary GBM has increased signaling through PDGF-A receptor.
- Both types of mutations lead to increased tyrosine kinase receptor (TKR) activity and consequently to activation of RAS and PI3K pathways.
- Primary and secondary GBM may be indistinguishable histologically but apparently differ in genetic and epigenetic profiles.
Based on the molecular alterations
- the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) divided GBM according to the molecular alterations into four subtypes:[1]
- Classic
- Proneural
- Mesenchymal
- Neural
- Classical GBM is defined by aberrant EGFR amplification with astrocytic cell expression pattern and loss of chromosome 10.
- The mesenchymal subtype is defined by NF1 and PTEN mutations, a mesenchymal expression profile and less EGFR amplification than in other GBM types.
- The proneural subtype is characterized by PDGFRA focal amplification, TP53 and IDH1 mutations with an oligodenrocytic cell expression profile and younger presentation age.
- The neural subtype is characterized by normal brain tissue gene expression wuth astrocytic and oligodendrocytic cell markers.
- Most GBM tumors with IDH1 mutations have the proneural gene expression pattern but only 30% of preneural GBM has the IDH1 mutation.
- IDH1 mutation is a reliable and definitive molecular diagnostic criterion of secondary GBM compared to clinical criteria.
- The heterogeneity of GBM profiles leads to different treatment efficacy among patients.
- The therapy must be personalized to target each patient’s alterations in the molecular level.
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 Verhaak RG, Hoadley KA, Purdom E, Wang V, Qi Y, Wilkerson MD; et al. (2010). “Integrated genomic analysis identifies clinically relevant subtypes of Glioblastoma multiforme characterized by abnormalities in PDGFRA, IDH1, EGFR, and NF1”. Cancer Cell. 17 (1): 98–110. doi:10.1016/j.ccr.2009.12.020. PMC 2818769. PMID 20129251.
Pathophysiology
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Marjan Khan M.B.B.S.[2]
Overview
Genes involved in the pathogenesis of glioblastoma multiforme include Mdm2, PTEN, IDH1, p53, EGFR, PDGFRA, and chromosomes 10p, 10q, 17p, and 19q. On gross pathology, the characteristic findings of glioblastoma multiforme include a poorly-marginated, diffusely infiltrating, firm or gelatinous mass with a central necrotic core. On microscopic histopathological analysis, the characteristic findings of glioblastoma multiforme include pleomorphic astrocytes with marked atypia, mitosis, necrosis, and microvascular proliferation. Another important alteration is methylation of MGMT, a suicide DNA repair enzyme. Methylation is described to impair DNA transcription and therefore, expression of the MGMT enzyme. MGMT methylation is associated with an improved response to treatment with DNA-damaging chemotherapeutics, such as temozolomide. Glioblastoma multiforme exhibits numerous alterations in genes that encode for ion channels, including upregulation of gBK potassium channels and ClC-3 chloride channels. Upregulating these ion channels, the tumor cells can facilitate increased ion movement over the cell membrane, thereby increasing H2O movement through osmosis, which aids the tumor cells in changing cellular volume very rapidly.
Pathophysiology
Pathogenesis
Molecular alterations
- There are four subtypes of glioblastoma multiforme.[1]
- Tumors in the “classical” subtype is characterized by mutations in EGFR.
- The “proneural” subtype often has high rates of alterations in TP53, PDGFRA, and IDH1.
- The “mesenchymal” subtype is characterized by mutations in NF1, and EGFR.
- The “neural” subtype has several mutations in many of the same genes as the other groups.
- Majority of the genetic alterations in glioblastoma multiforme are clustered in three pathways: p53, Rb, and PI3K/AKT.
- Another important alteration is methylation of MGMT, a suicide DNA repair enzyme. Methylation is described to impair DNA transcription and therefore, expression of the MGMT enzyme. Since MGMT can only repair one DNA alkylation due its suicide repair mechanism, reverse capacity is low and methylation of the MGMT gene promoter greatly affects DNA repair capacity. Hence, MGMT methylation is associated with an improved response to treatment with DNA-damaging chemotherapeutics, such as temozolomide.
Glioblastoma multiforme stem-like cells
- Cancer cells with stem cell-like properties have been found to be a cause of resistance to conventional treatment and high recurrence rate of glioblastoma multiforme.
- A biomarker that exhibits cancer stem cell properties, Hes3, has been shown to regulate cells of glioblastoma multiforme when placed in culture.
Metabolism
- The IDH1 gene is frequently mutated in glioblastoma multiforme (primary: 5%, secondary: 80%). By producing very high concentrations of the oncometabolite D-2-hydroxyglutarate and dysregulating the function of the wild-type IDH1-enzyme, it induces profound changes to the metabolism of IDH1-mutated glioblastoma multiforme compared with IDH1 wild-type glioblastoma multiforme or healthy astrocytes.
- The IDH1 mutation increases the dependence of glioblastoma multiforme on glutamine or glutamate as an energy source. Since healthy astrocytes excrete glutamate, IDH1-mutated glioblastoma multiforme cells do not favor dense tumor structures but instead migrate, invade and disperse into healthy parts of the brain where glutamate concentrations are higher. This may explain the invasive behavior of these IDH1-mutated glioblastoma multiforme.
Ion channels
- Glioblastoma multiforme exhibits numerous alterations in genes that encode for ion channels, including upregulation of gBK potassium channels and ClC-3 chloride channels.
- Upregulating these ion channels, the tumor cells can facilitate increased ion movement over the cell membrane, thereby increasing H2O movement through osmosis, which aids the tumor cells in changing cellular volume very rapidly. This is helpful in their extremely aggressive invasive behavior, because quick adaptations in cellular volume can facilitate movement through the extracellular matrix of the brain.
Genetics
- Development of glioblastoma multiforme is the result from multiple genetic mutations.
- Genes involved in the pathogenesis of glioblastoma multiforme include the following:[2]
| Types of glioblastoma multiforme | Genes |
|---|---|
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Associated Conditions
Glioblastoma multiforme may be associated with:[2]
- Neurofibromatosis type 1
- Li-Fraumeni syndrome
- Turcot syndrome
- Ollier disease
- Maffucci syndrome
- Tuberous sclerosis
- Von Hippel-Lindau disease
Pathology
Gross Pathology
|

On gross pathology, the characteristic findings of glioblastoma multiforme include:[2][3]
- Supratentorial white matter is the most common location
- Poorly-marginated, diffusely infiltrating mass with a central necrotic core
- Ill-defined borders
- Firm or gelatinous in consistency
- Variable appearance (firm and white, to soft and yellow, to cystic with hemorrhage)
- Midline shift due to tumor mass
- Bihemispheric “butterfly glioma” in the corpus callosum
Microscopic Pathology
On microscopic histopathological analysis, the characteristic findings of glioblastoma multiformes include:[2][3]
- Pleomorphic astrocytes with marked atypia and mitosis
- Necrosis and microvascular proliferation
- (+/-) Pseudopalisading necrosis
|

According to WHO classification of brain tumors, glioblastoma multiforme is termed as grade IV tumor.[2]
Immunohistochemistry
Glioblastoma multiforme is demonstrated by positivity to tumor markers such as GFAP.[2]
References
- ↑ Verhaak RG, Hoadley KA, Purdom E, Wang V, Qi Y, Wilkerson MD; et al. (2010). “Integrated genomic analysis identifies clinically relevant subtypes of glioblastoma multiforme characterized by abnormalities in PDGFRA, IDH1, EGFR, and NF1”. Cancer Cell. 17 (1): 98–110. doi:10.1016/j.ccr.2009.12.020. PMC 2818769. PMID 20129251.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 Pathology of Glioblastoma multiforme. Dr Dylan Kurda and Dr Frank Gaillard et al. Radiopaedia 2015. http://radiopaedia.org/articles/Glioblastoma
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 Pathology of Glioblastoma multiforme. Libre Pathology. http://librepathology.org/wiki/index.php/Glioblastoma
Causes
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Marjan Khan M.B.B.S.[2]
Overview
Common causes of glioblastoma multiforme include genetic mutations.[1]
| Type of glioblastoma multiforme | Genes |
|---|---|
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Causes
Common causes of glioblastoma multiforme include genetic mutations.[1]
| Type of glioblastoma multiforme | Genes |
|---|---|
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References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 Etiology of glioblastoma multiforme. Dr Dylan Kurda and Dr Frank Gaillard et al. Radiopaedia 2015. http://radiopaedia.org/articles/glioblastoma
Differentiating Glioblastoma multiforme from other Diseases

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Marjan Khan M.B.B.S.[2]
Overview
Glioblastoma multiforme must be differentiated from cerebral metastasis, primary CNS lymphoma, cerebral abscess, anaplastic astrocytoma, tumefactive demyelination, stroke, cerebral toxoplasmosis, radiation necrosis, encephalitis, oligodendroglioma, and seizure disorder.[1]
Differentiating Glioblastoma multiforme from other Diseases
Glioblastoma multiforme must be differentiated from the following:[1]
| Diseases | Clinical manifestations | Para-clinical findings | Gold standard |
Additional findings | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Symptoms | Physical examination | |||||||||
| Lab Findings | MRI | Immunohistopathology | ||||||||
| Head- ache |
Seizure | Visual disturbance | Constitutional | Focal neurological deficit | ||||||
| Adult primary brain tumors | ||||||||||
| Glioblastoma multiforme [2][3][4] |
+ | +/− | +/− | − | + | − |
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| Oligodendroglioma [5][6][7] |
+ | + | +/− | − | + | − |
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| Meningioma [8][9][10] |
+ | +/− | +/− | − | + | − |
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| Hemangioblastoma [11][12][13][14] |
+ | +/− | +/− | − | + | − |
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| Pituitary adenoma [15][16][4] |
− | − | + Bitemporal hemianopia | − | − |
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| Schwannoma [17][18][19][20] |
− | − | − | − | + | − |
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| Primary CNS lymphoma [21][22] |
+ | +/− | +/− | − | + | − |
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| Childhood primary brain tumors | ||||||||||
| Pilocytic astrocytoma [23][24][25] |
+ | +/− | +/− | − | + | − |
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| Medulloblastoma [26][27][28] |
+ | +/− | +/− | − | + | − |
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| Ependymoma [29][4] |
+ | +/− | +/− | − | + | − |
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| Craniopharyngioma [30][31][32][4] |
+ | +/− | + Bitemporal hemianopia | − | + |
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| Pinealoma [33][34][35] |
+ | +/− | +/− | − | + vertical gaze palsy |
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| Vascular | ||||||||||
| AV malformation [36][37][4] |
+ | + | +/− | − | +/− | − |
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| Brain aneurysm [38][39][40][41][42] |
+ | +/− | +/− | − | +/− | − |
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| Infectious | ||||||||||
| Bacterial brain abscess [43][44] |
+ | +/− | +/− | + | + |
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| Tuberculosis [45][4][46] |
+ | +/− | +/− | + | + |
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| Toxoplasmosis [47][48] |
+ | +/− | +/− | − | + |
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| Hydatid cyst [49][4] |
+ | +/− | +/− | +/− | + |
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| CNS cryptococcosis [50] |
+ | +/− | +/− | + | + |
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| CNS aspergillosis [51] |
+ | +/− | +/− | + | + |
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| Other | ||||||||||
| Brain metastasis [52][4] |
+ | +/− | +/− | + | + | − |
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References
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Epidemiology and Demographics
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Marjan Khan M.B.B.S.[2]
Overview
Glioblastoma multiforme is the the most common adult primary intracranial neoplasm worldwide. The incidence of glioblastoma multiforme is estimated to be 3.2 cases per 100,000 individuals worldwide. Glioblastoma multiforme is a common disease that tends to affect older adults and the elderly population. The median age at diagnosis is 64 years. Males are more commonly affected with glioblastoma multiforme than females. The male to female ratio is approximately 1.5 to 1. Glioblastoma multiforme usually affects individuals of the Caucasian race.
Epidemiology and Demographics
Incidence
- Glioblastoma multiforme is the the most common adult primary intracranial neoplasm worldwide.[1]
- The incidence of glioblastoma multiforme is estimated to be 3.2 cases per 100,000 individuals worldwide.[2]
- This is highest IR among brain and CNS tumors with malignant behavior. [3]
- Incidence is highest in the northeast and lowest in the south-central region of US.[4]
Mortality rate
- Glioblastoma multiforme is the most malignant astrocytoma.[5]
- The median overall survival (OS) is approximately 12 months and a 5‐year OS of 4.8%‐5.4%.
Age
- Glioblastoma multiforme is a common disease that tends to affect older adults and the elderly population.
- The median age at diagnosis is 64 years.[2]
- The incidence increases with age peaking at 75–84 years and drops after 85 years.[4]
- Glioblastoma multiforme is uncommon in children.
Gender
- Males are more commonly affected with glioblastoma multiforme than females.
- The male to female ratio is approximately 1.6 to 1.[1]
- Marital status is an independent prognostic factor for GBM.[6]
- One observational study shows protective effect of marriage on GBM survival especially in male older than 60 years of age.[6]
Race
- Incidence of GBM is 2.0 times higher in Caucasians compared to Africans and Afro-Americans. [7]
- There is lower incidence in Asians and American Indians.[8]
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 Epidemiology of glioblastoma multiforme. Dr Dylan Kurda and Dr Frank Gaillard et al. Radiopaedia 2015. http://radiopaedia.org/articles/glioblastoma
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 Thakkar JP, Dolecek TA, Horbinski C, Ostrom QT, Lightner DD, Barnholtz-Sloan JS; et al. (2014). “Epidemiologic and molecular prognostic review of glioblastoma”. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev. 23 (10): 1985–96. doi:10.1158/1055-9965.EPI-14-0275. PMC 4185005. PMID 25053711.
- ↑ Louis DN, Ohgaki H, Wiestler OD, Cavenee WK, Burger PC, Jouvet A, Scheithauer BW, Kleihues P (August 2007). “The 2007 WHO classification of tumours of the central nervous system”. Acta Neuropathol. 114 (2): 97–109. doi:10.1007/s00401-007-0243-4. PMC 1929165. PMID 17618441.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 Ostrom QT, Gittleman H, Farah P, Ondracek A, Chen Y, Wolinsky Y, Stroup NE, Kruchko C, Barnholtz-Sloan JS (November 2013). “CBTRUS statistical report: Primary brain and central nervous system tumors diagnosed in the United States in 2006-2010”. Neuro-oncology. 15 Suppl 2: ii1–56. doi:10.1093/neuonc/not151. PMC 3798196. PMID 24137015.
- ↑ Yabroff KR, Harlan L, Zeruto C, Abrams J, Mann B (March 2012). “Patterns of care and survival for patients with glioblastoma multiforme diagnosed during 2006”. Neuro-oncology. 14 (3): 351–9. doi:10.1093/neuonc/nor218. PMC 3280803. PMID 22241797.
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 Xie JC, Yang S, Liu XY, Zhao YX (August 2018). “Effect of marital status on survival in glioblastoma multiforme by demographics, education, economic factors, and insurance status”. Cancer Med. 7 (8): 3722–3742. doi:10.1002/cam4.1688. PMC 6089174. PMID 30009575.
- ↑ Sturm D, Bender S, Jones DT, Lichter P, Grill J, Becher O, Hawkins C, Majewski J, Jones C, Costello JF, Iavarone A, Aldape K, Brennan CW, Jabado N, Pfister SM (February 2014). “Paediatric and adult glioblastoma: multiform (epi)genomic culprits emerge”. Nat. Rev. Cancer. 14 (2): 92–107. doi:10.1038/nrc3655. PMC 4003223. PMID 24457416.
- ↑ Jiang L, Fang X, Bao Y, Zhou JY, Shen XY, Ding MH, Chen Y, Hu GH, Lu YC (2013). “Association between the XRCC1 polymorphisms and glioma risk: a meta-analysis of case-control studies”. PLoS ONE. 8 (1): e55597. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0055597. PMC 3559473. PMID 23383237.
Risk Factors
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Sujit Routray, M.D. [2]
Overview
Common risk factors in the development of glioblastoma multiforme are radiation exposure, viruses, polyvinyl chloride, alcohol, and genetic disorders.[1]
Risk Factors
Common risk factors in the development of glioblastoma multiforme are:[1]
- Radiation exposure
- Viruses (SV40, HHV-6, and cytomegalovirus)
- Polyvinyl chloride
- Alcohol
- Genetic disorders
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 Risk factors of glioblastoma multiforme. Dr Dylan Kurda and Dr Frank Gaillard et al. Radiopaedia 2015. http://radiopaedia.org/articles/glioblastoma
Screening
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Sujit Routray, M.D. [2]
Overview
Screening for glioblastoma multiforme is not recommended.
Screening
Screening for glioblastoma multiforme is not recommended.
References
Natural History, Complications and Prognosis
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Marjan Khan M.B.B.S.[2]
Overview
If left untreated, glioblastoma multiforme may extend into the meninges, ventricular wall, or spinal cord. Common complications of glioblastoma multiforme include herniation, hydrocephalus, systemic illness, brainstem invasion by tumor, neutron-induced cerebral injury, weakness, fatigue, numbness, surgical complications, and coma. Prognosis is generally poor, and the 5-year survival rate of patients with glioblastoma multiforme is less than 10%.
Natural History
- Glioblastoma multiforme usually form in the cerebral white matter, grow quickly, and can become very large before producing symptoms. Less than 10% grow slowly following degeneration of low-grade astrocytoma or anaplastic astrocytoma.
- It may extend into the meninges or ventricular wall, leading to high protein content in the cerebrospinal fluid.
- The tumor cells carried in the CSF may rarely spread to the spinal cord. However, metastasis of glioblastoma multiforme beyond the central nervous system is rare. About 50% of glioblastoma multiforme are bilateral.
- It arises from the cerebrum and may rarely exhibit the classic infiltration across the corpus callosum, producing a butterfly (bilateral) glioma.
Complications
Common complications of glioblastoma multiforme include:[1]
- Herniation (axial, transtentorial, subfalcine, tonsillar)
- Hydrocephalus
- Systemic illness
- Brainstem invasion by tumor
- Neutron-induced cerebral injury
- Weakness
- Fatigue
- Numbness
- Surgical complications (cerebral hemorrhage, edema)
- Coma
Prognosis
- Prognosis is generally poor, and the 5-year survival rate of patients with glioblastoma multiforme is less than 10%.
- Negative prognostic factors include:[2]
- With standard treatment (surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy), the median survival is approximately 14 months.[3]
- Removal of 98% or more of the tumor by surgery has been associated with a better prognosis.
References
- ↑ Silbergeld DL, Rostomily RC, Alvord EC (1991). “The cause of death in patients with glioblastoma is multifactorial: clinical factors and autopsy findings in 117 cases of supratentorial glioblastoma in adults”. J Neurooncol. 10 (2): 179–85. PMID 1654403.
- ↑ Prognosis of glioblastoma multiforme. Dr Dylan Kurda and Dr Frank Gaillard et al. Radiopaedia 2015. http://radiopaedia.org/articles/glioblastoma
- ↑ Stupp R, Mason W, van den Bent M, Weller M, Fisher B, Taphoorn M, Belanger K, Brandes A, Marosi C, Bogdahn U, Curschmann J, Janzer R, Ludwin S, Gorlia T, Allgeier A, Lacombe D, Cairncross J, Eisenhauer E, Mirimanoff R (2005). “Radiotherapy plus concomitant and adjuvant temozolomide for glioblastoma”. N Engl J Med. 352 (10): 987–96. PMID 15758009.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis
Staging | History and Symptoms | Physical Examination | Laboratory Findings | X Ray | CT | MRI | Ultrasound | Other Imaging Findings | Other Diagnostic Studies
Treatment
Treatment
Medical Therapy | Surgery | Cost-Effectiveness of Therapy | Future or Investigational Therapies
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