How to Cure Glioblastoma Multiforme

Glioblastoma mutliforme (GBM) is a fast-growing cancerous tumor that develops in the brain and occasionally the brain stem. "Glio" refers to the glial cells that act as connective tissue within the brain. GBM is the most common type of brain tumor and accounts for about 50 percent to 60 percent of brain tumor cases. It also is the most aggressive and deadly, according to the American Brain Tumor Association. GBMs occur mostly in adults over the age of 50.

Instructions

Maximize Your Survival Rate

• 1

  Listen to your body and watch for changes. Common symptoms of GBM include headaches, vision changes, sudden memory loss, seizures, nausea, changes in personality, or paralysis on one side of the body. As with most medical conditions, early diagnosis and treatment often lead to better outcomes.

• 2

  At the first sign of changes in your normal condition, contact your doctor. It is common for people to first seek the advice of the family physician, who probably will order a brain scan (either a CT or MRI). Once a lesion or abnormality is detected, you probably will be referred to a neurosurgeon to remove and biopsy the tumor to confirm the malignancy. Once the tumor is confirmed as a GBM, a parade of specialists will be consulted to help with treatment. Neurologists manage the overall well being of the brain during various treatment phases, Neuro-oncologists manage the chemotherapy, Radiation-oncologists manage radiation treatment. Due to the aggressive nature of this tumor, leading cancer specialists, universities and cancer research centers recommend the course of treatment as surgery, chemotherapy and radiation. Alternative treatment methods are rarely discussed, although experimental drug therapies may be available in more severe cases.

• 3

  Be an active voice in your medical management. Don't be afraid ask questions, seek second opinions and be involved in your own care. Find out about your doctors. Are they board certified? How many years of experience do they have? What is the survival rate of their patients? What is the treatment plan they recommend? Are they involved in or can they recommend a GBM support group in your area?

• 4

  Never underestimate the power of a positive outlook. Keep an open mind about treatment plans and remember that faith and hope are pivotal to your success.