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[[Category:Oncology]]
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<div class="noeditbox">Welcome to [[Pathophysiology of Complex Patient Problems|PT 635 Pathophysiology of Complex Patient Problems]] This is a wiki created by and for the students in the School of Physical Therapy at Bellarmine University in Louisville KY. Please do not edit unless you are involved in this project, but please come back in the near future to check out new information!!</div><div class="editorbox">
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'''Original Editors '''- Simone Potts&nbsp;[[Pathophysiology of Complex Patient Problems|from Bellarmine University's&nbsp;Pathophysiology of Complex Patient Problems project.]]  
'''Original Editors '''- Simone Potts&nbsp;[[Pathophysiology of Complex Patient Problems|from Bellarmine University's&nbsp;Pathophysiology of Complex Patient Problems project.]]  


'''Lead Editors'''  &nbsp;   
'''Top Contributors''' - {{Special:Contributors/{{FULLPAGENAME}}}} &nbsp;   
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== '''Definition / Description'''  ==
==Introduction==
[[File:Glioblastoma.jpg|thumb|Glioblastoma of R frontal lobe]]
Glioblastomas (GBM) are the most common adult primary brain tumor and are aggressive, relatively resistant to therapy, and have a poor prognosis.


Glioblastoma Multiforme develops from star-shaped glial cells that support nerve cells. A glioblastoma multiforme is classified as a grade IV astrocytoma. It is also referred to as a glioblastoma or GBM<ref name="braintumor.org">Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM). National Brain Tumor Society. Available at http://www.braintumor.org/patients-family-friends/about-brain-tumors/tumor-types/glioblastoma-multiforme.html?gclid=CNGRyOuN2KcCFSVe7AodwCdk8Q. Accessed March 29, 2011.</ref><br>  
* They typically appear as heterogeneous masses centered in the white matter with irregular peripheral enhancement, central necrosis and are surrounded by vasogenic edema.  
* Treatment primarily consists of surgery and concurrent radiotherapy and temozolomide.<ref name=":0">Radiopedia Glioblastoma Available: https://radiopaedia.org/articles/glioblastoma-idh-wildtype?lang=us<nowiki/>(accessed 11.5.2022)</ref>


[[Image:Ted Kennedy.jpg|frame|left|Senator Ted Kennedy]]<br>  
==Etiology==
Despite studies looking for genetic and environmental factors in glioblastoma multiforme, but no risk factor in most instances of GBM has been identified. Like many other cancers, GBM is sporadic, although a study showed a high prevalence (17%) of prior therapeutic irradiation among patients with GBM<ref>Kanderi T, Gupta V. Glioblastoma multiforme. InStatPearls [Internet] 2021 Feb 6. StatPearls Publishing.Available:https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK558954/ (accessed 11.5.2022)</ref>.


Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most common and most malignant of the glial tumors.  
Although concerns have been raised regarding cell phone use as a potential risk factor for development of gliomas, study results have been inconsistent, and this possibility remains controversial. The largest studies have not supported cell phone use as a cancer risk factor. However, a recently released multinational report concluded that studies that are independent of the telecom industry show that cell phone use may pose a significant risk for brain tumors, and some European countries have taken steps to limit cell phone use by children<ref name="overview" />.


*Media attention was brought to this form of brain cancer when ''[http://www.boston.com/bigpicture/2009/08/senator_ted_kennedy_19322009.html Senator Ted Kennedy]''&nbsp;was diagnosed with glioblastoma and ultimately [http://articles.cnn.com/2009-08-26/politics/obit.ted.kennedy_1_ted-kennedy-kennedy-s-death-white-house?_s=PM:POLITICS died] from it.
==Epidemiology==
[[Image:Glioblastoma2.jpg|Aggressive Glioblastoma|alt=|thumb]]Glioblastomas usually occur after the age of 40 years (peak incidence between 65 and 75 years of age). There is a slight male preponderance with a 3:2 M:F ratio. Caucasians are affected more frequently than other ethnicities. Approximately 60% of the estimated 17,000 primary brain tumors diagnosed in the United States each year are gliomas. <ref name="overview">Glioblastoma Multiforme (background). Medscape. Available at http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/283252-overview. Accessed March 29, 2011.</ref>


(Photo courtesy of: ''tedkennedy.us'')  
* The majority of glioblastomas are sporadic.
* Rarely found to be related to prior radiation exposure (radiation-induced GBM).
* They can also occur as part of rare inherited tumor syndromes eg neurofibromatosis type1 (NF1)


<br>Gliomas are a heterogeneous group of neoplasms that differ in location within the central nervous system. &nbsp;There is no particular age or sex distribution. &nbsp;Growth potential, extent of invasiveness, morphological features, tendency for progression, and response to treatments vary between each case diagnosed.&nbsp;<br>GBM can spread through the brain tissue, but rarely spreads to other areas outside of the central nervous system.<br>
==Characteristics / Clinical Presentation==


All GBM tumors have abnormal and numerous blood vessels, a common feature of a fast-growing tumor. These blood vessels deliver necessary oxygen and nutrients to the tumors, helping them grow and spread. In addition, these blood vessels easily mix with normal brain tissue and travel away from the main tumor, which makes GBM tumors a challenge to treat.<ref name="overview">Glioblastoma Multiforme (background). Medscape. Available at http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/283252-overview. Accessed March 29, 2011.</ref><br>
Presentation is usually in one of the ways listed below:


== '''Prevalence'''  ==
# Focal neurological deficit
# Symptoms of increased intracranial pressure
# Seizures<ref name=":0" />


[[Image:Heatmap.jpg|frame|right|Prevalance of GBM in the US (2009)]]
==Diagnosis==
Tests and procedures used to diagnose glioblastoma include:


<br>  
* Neurological exam
* Imaging tests. MRI is often used to diagnose brain tumors, may be used along with specialized MRI imaging, eg functional MRI and magnetic resonance spectroscopy.&nbsp;
* Removing a sample of tissue for biopsy<ref>Mayo clinic Glioma Available;https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/glioblastoma/cdc-20350148 (accessed 11.5.2022)</ref>.


<br>
== Management ==
 
[[Image:Surgery.jpg|frame|right|Surgical resection of GBM tumor]]Biopsy and tumor debulking with postoperative adjuvant radiotherapy and chemotherapy (temozolomide) are the most commonly carried out treatment. Newer therapies include antiangiogenesis (e.g. bevacizumab) and immunotherapy.<ref name=":0" />
<br>
 
Approximately 60% of the estimated 17,000 primary brain tumors diagnosed in the United States each year are gliomas.<br>Glioblastoma multiforme is the most frequent primary brain tumor. In most European and North American countries, incidence is approximately 2-3 new cases per 100,000 people per year. <ref name="overview" /><br>
 
<br>
 
(Photo courtesy of: ''[http://www.textmed.com/disease/glioblastoma-multiforme.htm TextMed]'')
 
<br>
 
<br>
 
.
 
== '''Characteristics / Clinical Presentation'''  ==
 
• Most invasive type of glial tumor<br>• Commonly spreads to nearby tissue<br>• Grows rapidly<br>• Includes distinct genetic subtypes<br>• May be composed of&nbsp;many different kinds of cells<br>• May have evolved from a low-grade astrocytoma or an oligodendroglioma<br>• Common among men and women in their 50s-70s<br>• More common in men than women<ref name="braintumor.org" /><br>
 
The most common presentation of patients with glioblastomas is a slowly progressive neurologic deficit, usually motorweakness. However, the most common symptom experienced by patients is headache.
 
Patients may present with generalized symptoms of increased intracranial pressure (ICP), including headaches, nausea and vomiting, and cognitive impairment.
 
General symptoms include headaches, nausea and vomiting, personality changes, and slowing of cognitive function.
 
Headaches can vary in intensity and quality, and they frequently are more severe in the early morning or upon first awakening.
 
Changes in personality, mood, mental capacity, and concentration can be early indicators or may be the only abnormalities observed.
 
Focal signs include hemiparesis, sensory loss, visual loss, aphasia, and others.
 
Seizures are a presenting symptom in approximately 20% of patients with supratentorial brain tumors.<ref name="overview" /><br>
 
o Increased Intracranial Pressure<br>o Headache, especially retroorbital; sometimes worse upon awakening, improves during the day<br>o Vomiting (with or without nausea)<br>o Visual changes (blurring, blind spots, diplopia, abnormal eye movements)<br>o Changes in mentation (impaired thinking, difficulty concentrating or reading, memory or speech)<br>o Personality change, irritability<br>o Unusual drowsiness, increased sleeping<br>o Sensory changes<br>o Muscle weakness or hemiparesis<br>o Bladder dysfunction<br>o Increased lower extremity reflexes compared with upper extremity reflexes<br>o Decreased coordination, gait changes, ataxia<br>o Positive Babinski reflex<br>o Clonus (ankle or wrist)<br>o Vertigo, head tilt <ref name="Goodman">Goodman C, Snyder T. Differential Diagnosis for Physical Therapists: Screening for Referral. St. Louis, MO: Saunders Elsevier: 2007.</ref><br>
 
== '''Associated Co-morbidities'''  ==
 
Some associated co-morbidities include:
 
*Amnesia
*Blindness
*Cerebellar Ataxia
*Dementia
*Hypertension
*Status epilepticus
*Syncope
*Vomiting (Excess/Chronic)
*Recurrent Meningitis
 
Click here to see other [http://en.diagnosispro.com/disease_information-for/associated-diseases-rule-outs-glioblastoma-multiforme/associated-diseases-rule-outs-glioblastoma-multiforme/14324-103.html '''associated diseases and complications''']
 
== [http://www.webmd.com/drugs/condition-457-Glioblastoma+Multiforme+of+Brain.aspx?diseaseid=457&diseasename=Glioblastoma+Multiforme+of+Brain&source=0 '''Medications''']  ==
 
*[http://www.avastin.com/avastin/patient/gbm/index.html?s_cid=0003&s_src=googleppc&c=MBAVUA2500&gclid=CO-Wi8GfhKgCFchI2godV02fqg Avastin]
*Decadron (dexamethazone) - used to reduce swelling around the tumor
*Dilantin (phenytoin) - used to prevent seizures<ref name="brain" />
*[http://www.temodar.com/temodar/patients.jsp Temozolomide] - chemotherapy that slows cancer cell growth
*[http://www.webmd.com/drugs/drug-7423-vincristine+IV.aspx?drugid=7423&drugname=vincristine+IV&source=0 Vincristine] - chemotherapy used in conjunction with other chemotherapy drugs
*Patients with GBM could also be prescribed with a number of different pain medicaions.
 
== '''Diagnostic Tests / Lab Tests / Lab Values'''  ==
 
&nbsp;[[Image:Glioblastoma.jpg|frame|left|T1-weighted MRI of GBM tumor]]  
 
*'''T1-weighted axial gadolinium-enhanced magnetic resonance image demonstrates an enhancing tumor of the right frontal lobe. Image courtesy of George Jallo, MD.'''&nbsp;<ref name="overview" />
 
(Photos courtesy of: ''[http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/340870-overview Medscape]'')
 
*MRI with or without contrast is the study of choice in diagnosing this disease. These lesions typically have an enhancing ring observed on T1-weighted images and a broad surrounding zone of edema apparent on T2-weighted images.
 
<br>
 
*Currently, no specific laboratory studies are helpful in making a diagnosis of glioblastoma.<br>&nbsp;
 
*Positron emission tomography (PET) scans and magnetic resonance (MR) spectroscopy can be helpful in identifying glioblastomas in difficult cases, such as those associated with radiation necrosis or hemorrhage. On PET scans, increased regional glucose metabolism closely correlates with cellularity and reduced survival.<ref name="diagnosis">Glioblastoma Multiforme (background). Medscape. Available at http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/283252-diagnosis. Accessed March 29, 2011.</ref>
 
*Patients receiving chemotherapy will present with low white blood cell and platelet counts.'''<br>'''
 
<br>
 
[[Image:Glioblastoma2.jpg|frame|left|Progression of previous GBM tumor]]'''T2 weighted image demonstrates the same lesion as in the previous image, with notable edema and midline shift. This finding is consistent with a high-grade or malignant tumor.'''
 
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<br>
 
<br>
 
<br>
 
<br>
 
<br>
 
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<br> .
 
<br>
 
== '''Etiology / Causes'''  ==
 
The etiology of glioblastoma remains unknown in most cases. Familial gliomas account for approximately 5% of malignant gliomas, and less than 1% of gliomas are associated with a known genetic syndrome.  
 
<br>
 
Although concerns have been raised regarding cell phone use as a potential risk factor for development of gliomas, study results have been inconsistent, and this possibility remains controversial. The largest studies have not supported cell phone use as a cancer risk factor.
 
However, a recently released multinational report concluded that studies that are independent of the telecom industry show that cell phone use may pose a significant risk for brain tumors, and some European countries have taken steps to limit cell phone use by children.<ref name="overview" /><br>
 
== '''Systemic Involvement'''  ==
 
Systemic complications include gastritis, pneumonia, sepsis, DVT and pulmonary embolism.
 
According to Dr. R. Sawaya, in the journal "Neurosurgery," systemic complications occur in approximately eight percent of patients undergoing craniotomy for tumor<ref name="livestrong">Glioblastoma Multiforme Surgery Complications. Livestrong.com. Available at http://www.livestrong.com/article/190510-glioblastoma-multiforme-surgery-complications/. Accessed April 1, 2011.</ref>.
 
== '''Medical Management (current best evidence)'''  ==
 
'''Surgery''' [[Image:Surgery.jpg|frame|right|Surgical resection of GBM tumor]]
 
*Biopsies
*Partial Resection / Debulking
*Reconstruction
 
(Photo courtesy of: ''[http://www.livestrong.com/article/190510-glioblastoma-multiforme-surgery-complications/ The Lance Armstrong Foundation]'')
 
<br>
 
'''Radiation'''
 
*Traditional Teletherapy - marks made on skin where radiation is delivered
*Brachytherapy - surgically implanted radioactive beads
 
'''Chemotherapy'''
 
*Can be used in conjunction with radiation
*Patient will become immunodeficient
 
<br>
 
[[Image:AutoLITT.jpg|frame|left|200x150px|MRI-guided Laser Interstitial Thermal Therapy (Experimental)]]
 
<br>
 
<br>  


There are many experimental treatment techniques being developed in hopes to rid patients of GBM tumors. Some of these treatment options are not yet FDA approved. &nbsp;An example of an experimental treatment is: an MRI-guided laser interstitial thermal therapy system called [http://medgadget.com/archives/2008/04/autolitt_laser_interstitial_thermal_therapy_system.html AutoLITT].  
There are many experimental treatment techniques being developed in hopes to rid patients of GBM tumors. Some of these treatment options are not yet FDA approved. &nbsp;An example of an experimental treatment is: an MRI-guided laser interstitial thermal therapy system called [http://medgadget.com/archives/2008/04/autolitt_laser_interstitial_thermal_therapy_system.html AutoLITT].  


<br>
Despite this, it carries a poor prognosis with a median survival of fewer than 2 years <ref name=":0" />
 
==Physical Therapy Management ==
(Photo courtesy of: ''[http://medgadget.com/archives/2008/04/autolitt_laser_interstitial_thermal_therapy_system.html The Internet Journal of Emerging Medical Technologies]'')
 
<br>


<br>
No universal restrictions on activity are necessary for patients with glioblastomas. The patient's activity depends on his or her overall neurologic status. The presence of seizures may prevent the patient from driving. In many circumstances, physical therapy and/or rehabilitation are extremely beneficial. Activity is encouraged to reduce the risk of deep venous thrombosis.<ref name="treatment">Glioblastoma Multiforme Treatment &amp; Management (medical care). Medscape. Available at http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/283252-treatment. Accessed April 3, 2011.</ref>  
 
<br>
 
Standard treatment is surgery followed by radiation therapy or a combination of radiation therapy and chemotherapy. If surgery is not an option, the doctor may administer radiation therapy followed by or combined with chemotherapy. Many clinical trials using radiation, chemotherapy, or a combination are available for initial and recurrent GBM. Clinical trials using molecularly targeted therapies showing success in other cancers are also being tested in GBM patients. <ref name="braintumor.org" />
 
Upon initial diagnosis of glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), standard treatment consists of maximal surgical resection, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy with temozolomide.<ref name="treatment">Glioblastoma Multiforme Treatment &amp;amp;amp; Management (medical care). Medscape. Available at http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/283252-treatment. Accessed April 3, 2011.</ref>
 
== '''Physical Therapy Management (current best evidence)'''  ==
 
No universal restrictions on activity are necessary for patients with glioblastomas. The patient's activity depends on his or her overall neurologic status. The presence of seizures may prevent the patient from driving. In many circumstances, physical therapy and/or rehabilitation are extremely beneficial. Activity is encouraged to reduce the risk of deep venous thrombosis.<ref name="treatment" />  


A physical therapist may be consulted to assess functional status and provide treatment aimed at maximizing independence and functional capacity. Home or out-patient physical therapy may be recommended to continue to maximize functional mobility. If intensive physical therapy is required, patients may benefit from an inpatient stay at a rehabilitation hospital. Physical therapy evaluation includes identifying what areas may be limiting function: strength, balance, endurance, pain. The physical therapist may prescribe individualized exercises to address the above areas, and may recommend adaptive equipment.<ref name="brain">Glioblastoma multiforme and anaplastic gliomas: A patient guide. Massachusetts General Hospital (Brain Tumor Center). Available at http://brain.mgh.harvard.edu/patientguide.htm. Accessed March 31, 2011.</ref>  
A physical therapist may be consulted to assess functional status and provide treatment aimed at maximizing independence and functional capacity. Home or out-patient physical therapy may be recommended to continue to maximize functional mobility. If intensive physical therapy is required, patients may benefit from an inpatient stay at a rehabilitation hospital. Physical therapy evaluation includes identifying what areas may be limiting function: strength, balance, endurance, pain. The physical therapist may prescribe individualized exercises to address the above areas, and may recommend adaptive equipment.<ref name="brain">Glioblastoma multiforme and anaplastic gliomas: A patient guide. Massachusetts General Hospital (Brain Tumor Center). Available at http://brain.mgh.harvard.edu/patientguide.htm. Accessed March 31, 2011.</ref>  
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Patient and family education is crucial to the improvement of each case of GBM.&nbsp; Each patient needs to be made aware of the symptoms, progression and treatment of this cancer.  
Patient and family education is crucial to the improvement of each case of GBM.&nbsp; Each patient needs to be made aware of the symptoms, progression and treatment of this cancer.  


== '''Alternative / Holistic Management (current best evidence)'''  ==
==Case Reports / Case Studies==
 
'''Dr. Johanna Budwig's Health and Diet Protocol''':&nbsp; [[Image:Flaxseed oil.jpg|frame|right|Flaxseed Oil]]
 
*Take 1/4 cup Low Fat Cottage Cheese and mix it with 1 tablespoon Flaxseed oil and eat it twice a day.
*Take Three 750 mg Shark Cartilage capsules three times a day
*Take a Borage Oil and CoQ10 supplement
*Drink plenty of water
*Try to get light exercise like walking
*Get some sunlight<ref name="alternative">Testimonial. Healing Cancer Naturally. Available at http://www.healingcancernaturally.com/brain-cancer-cure-testimonials.html. Accessed April 3, 2011.</ref>
 
<br>
 
(Photo courtesy of ''[http://www.google.com/products/catalog?q=flaxseed+oil&um=1&ie=UTF-8&cid=4699838859809208804&sa=X&ei=32WcTfjUCMmatwet1b3FBw&ved=0CEoQ8gIwBA# Google Products]'')<br>
 
<br>
 
'''Development of systemic immunity [...]''': [view article in ''[http://www.jimmunol.org/content/163/10/5544.full The Journal of Immunology]'']


== '''Differential Diagnosis'''  ==
*[http://www.braintumor.org/patients-family-friends/about-brain-tumors/tumor-types/anaplastic-astrocytoma.html Anaplastic astrocytoma]
*[http://brainavm.oci.utoronto.ca/malformations/Cavernomas_index.htm Cavernous malformation]
*[http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000783.htm Cerebral abscess]
*[http://www.macmillan.org.uk/Cancerinformation/Cancertypes/Brain/Typesofbraintumours/CNSlymphoma.aspx CNS lymphoma]
*[http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0002388/ Encephalitis]
*[http://my.clevelandclinic.org/disorders/brain_aneurysm_hemorrhage/hic_intracranial_hemorrhage.aspx Intracranial hemorrhage]
*Metastasis
*[http://www.healthline.com/galecontent/oligodendroglioma Oligodendroglioma]
*[http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/1157533-overview Radiation necrosis]
*[http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0001661/ Toxoplasmosis]<ref name="diagnosis" />
== '''Case Reports / Case Studies'''  ==
*Glioblastoma Multiforme: A Case Study&nbsp;[view case study in ''[http://www.ispub.com/journal/the_internet_journal_of_advanced_nursing_practice/volume_9_number_2_8/article/glioblastoma_multiforme_a_case_study.html The Internet Journal of Advanced Nursing Practice]'']
*Case Study: Glioblastoma Multiforme&nbsp;[view case study at ''[http://www.medicorcancer.com/dca-case4.html Medicor Cancer Centres]'']
*Well-Circumscribed, Minimally Enhancing Glioblastoma Multiforme of the Trigone: A Case Report and Review of the Literature&nbsp;[view article in the [http://www.ajnr.org/cgi/content/full/26/6/1475 ''American Journal of Neuroradiology'']]  
*Well-Circumscribed, Minimally Enhancing Glioblastoma Multiforme of the Trigone: A Case Report and Review of the Literature&nbsp;[view article in the [http://www.ajnr.org/cgi/content/full/26/6/1475 ''American Journal of Neuroradiology'']]  
*Case-Control Study of Use of NSAIDs and GBM&nbsp;[view case study in the ''[http://aje.oxfordjournals.org/content/159/12/1131.full American Journal of Epidemiology]'']
*Case-Control Study of Use of NSAIDs and GBM&nbsp;[view case study in the ''[http://aje.oxfordjournals.org/content/159/12/1131.full American Journal of Epidemiology]'']


== '''Resources''' <br>  ==
==References==
 
*'''Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences''': http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC33993/
*'''American Brain Tumor Association''':&nbsp;http://www.abta.org
*'''American Cancer Society, Inc.''': http://www.cancer.org
*'''National Cancer Institute''':&nbsp;http://www.cancer.gov
*'''National Brain Tumor Society''':&nbsp;http://www.braintumor.org
*'''MGH Brain Tumor Center''':&nbsp;[http://brain.mgh.harvard.edu/ http://brain.mgh.harvard.edu/] [(617) 724-8770]
 
== '''Recent Related Research''' (from [http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/ Pubmed])  ==
 
<rss>http://eutils.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/erss.cgi?rss_guid=1zepmoDGp3XTKZAQU0EPaK8ExMkl8HQAfYYAnfMDQ66fj3MQIM|charset=UTF-8|short|max=10</rss>
 
== '''References'''  ==


<references />  
<references />  


[[Category:Bellarmine_Student_Project]]
[[Category:Bellarmine_Student_Project]]

Latest revision as of 04:59, 11 May 2022

Introduction[edit | edit source]

Glioblastoma of R frontal lobe

Glioblastomas (GBM) are the most common adult primary brain tumor and are aggressive, relatively resistant to therapy, and have a poor prognosis.

  • They typically appear as heterogeneous masses centered in the white matter with irregular peripheral enhancement, central necrosis and are surrounded by vasogenic edema.
  • Treatment primarily consists of surgery and concurrent radiotherapy and temozolomide.[1]

Etiology[edit | edit source]

Despite studies looking for genetic and environmental factors in glioblastoma multiforme, but no risk factor in most instances of GBM has been identified. Like many other cancers, GBM is sporadic, although a study showed a high prevalence (17%) of prior therapeutic irradiation among patients with GBM[2].

Although concerns have been raised regarding cell phone use as a potential risk factor for development of gliomas, study results have been inconsistent, and this possibility remains controversial. The largest studies have not supported cell phone use as a cancer risk factor. However, a recently released multinational report concluded that studies that are independent of the telecom industry show that cell phone use may pose a significant risk for brain tumors, and some European countries have taken steps to limit cell phone use by children[3].

Epidemiology[edit | edit source]

Aggressive Glioblastoma

Glioblastomas usually occur after the age of 40 years (peak incidence between 65 and 75 years of age). There is a slight male preponderance with a 3:2 M:F ratio. Caucasians are affected more frequently than other ethnicities. Approximately 60% of the estimated 17,000 primary brain tumors diagnosed in the United States each year are gliomas. [3]

  • The majority of glioblastomas are sporadic.
  • Rarely found to be related to prior radiation exposure (radiation-induced GBM).
  • They can also occur as part of rare inherited tumor syndromes eg neurofibromatosis type1 (NF1)

Characteristics / Clinical Presentation[edit | edit source]

Presentation is usually in one of the ways listed below:

  1. Focal neurological deficit
  2. Symptoms of increased intracranial pressure
  3. Seizures[1]

Diagnosis[edit | edit source]

Tests and procedures used to diagnose glioblastoma include:

  • Neurological exam
  • Imaging tests. MRI is often used to diagnose brain tumors, may be used along with specialized MRI imaging, eg functional MRI and magnetic resonance spectroscopy. 
  • Removing a sample of tissue for biopsy[4].

Management[edit | edit source]

Surgical resection of GBM tumor

Biopsy and tumor debulking with postoperative adjuvant radiotherapy and chemotherapy (temozolomide) are the most commonly carried out treatment. Newer therapies include antiangiogenesis (e.g. bevacizumab) and immunotherapy.[1]

There are many experimental treatment techniques being developed in hopes to rid patients of GBM tumors. Some of these treatment options are not yet FDA approved.  An example of an experimental treatment is: an MRI-guided laser interstitial thermal therapy system called AutoLITT.

Despite this, it carries a poor prognosis with a median survival of fewer than 2 years [1]

Physical Therapy Management[edit | edit source]

No universal restrictions on activity are necessary for patients with glioblastomas. The patient's activity depends on his or her overall neurologic status. The presence of seizures may prevent the patient from driving. In many circumstances, physical therapy and/or rehabilitation are extremely beneficial. Activity is encouraged to reduce the risk of deep venous thrombosis.[5]

A physical therapist may be consulted to assess functional status and provide treatment aimed at maximizing independence and functional capacity. Home or out-patient physical therapy may be recommended to continue to maximize functional mobility. If intensive physical therapy is required, patients may benefit from an inpatient stay at a rehabilitation hospital. Physical therapy evaluation includes identifying what areas may be limiting function: strength, balance, endurance, pain. The physical therapist may prescribe individualized exercises to address the above areas, and may recommend adaptive equipment.[6]

Exercise is good for GBM patients as long as it is to the patient's tolerance.  Functional strengthening and aerobic training should be progressed slowly.  These patients will benefit greatly from low intensity exercise.  Physical therapists should establish the patient's pulmonary function and fitness level (especially if the patient becomes deconditioned after surgery and/or diagnosis).

Patient and family education is crucial to the improvement of each case of GBM.  Each patient needs to be made aware of the symptoms, progression and treatment of this cancer.

Case Reports / Case Studies[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]

  1. 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 Radiopedia Glioblastoma Available: https://radiopaedia.org/articles/glioblastoma-idh-wildtype?lang=us(accessed 11.5.2022)
  2. Kanderi T, Gupta V. Glioblastoma multiforme. InStatPearls [Internet] 2021 Feb 6. StatPearls Publishing.Available:https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK558954/ (accessed 11.5.2022)
  3. 3.0 3.1 Glioblastoma Multiforme (background). Medscape. Available at http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/283252-overview. Accessed March 29, 2011.
  4. Mayo clinic Glioma Available;https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/glioblastoma/cdc-20350148 (accessed 11.5.2022)
  5. Glioblastoma Multiforme Treatment & Management (medical care). Medscape. Available at http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/283252-treatment. Accessed April 3, 2011.
  6. Glioblastoma multiforme and anaplastic gliomas: A patient guide. Massachusetts General Hospital (Brain Tumor Center). Available at http://brain.mgh.harvard.edu/patientguide.htm. Accessed March 31, 2011.