Glioblastoma multiforme

Glioblastoma multiforme is a malignant brain tumor that carries an extremely poor prognosis.

Signs and symptoms

• Symptoms of increased intracranial pressure including headache, pappiledema (optic disc swelling), nausea or vomiting, and diplopia (double vision).

Treatment

Currently, most patients with glioblastoma multiforme are first treated with maximal surgical removal of the tumor, which is then followed by radiotherapy and chemotherapy, most often with temozolomide, a chemotheraputic agent that has been shown to have activity against glioblastoma multiforme. Radiosurgery is being investigated in the treatment of glioblastoma multiforme.