Gbm Case Studies

Glioblastoma is the most common and aggressive form of malignant brain cancer in adults. On average, 8 of every 100,000 people in the U.S. are diagnosed with glioblastoma every year – representing approximately 2% of all cancers diagnosed [1]. Glioblastoma tumors form when astrocytes, star-shaped cells which support and protect the brain, re-enter the cell cycle and start to rapidly divide. Because the brain is supported by a large network of blood vessels, tumors grow quickly and are difficult to remove surgically. Present treatments for glioblastoma are limited to surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy; however, despite these interventions tumors are likely to regrow. Consequently, typical survival time following glioblastoma diagnosis is less than 2 years.

There are many ways to treat this condition. Treatment can depend on the size, location, and stage of the tumor. Often, more than one type of treatment is used. Treatment may include:

Glioblastoma (pronounced like gleO blastoma) is an incurable brain cancer,Survival rate is usually measured in months.This became a word that was instantly defined, researched, dissected, feared, and tried to comprehend and understand by family,friends and acquaintances of Larry McKee (McKee)who was personally affected from this single word, it was quickly added to their vocabulary, because of the of the events that transpired on October 22, 2011 that forever changed lives “Glioblastomas are tumors that arise from the astrocytes- the star-shaped cells that make up the “glue-like,” or supportive tissue of the brain. These tumors are usually highly malignant (cancerous) because the cells reproduce quickly and they are supported by a large network of blood vessels.”(A.B.T A..) He was diagnosed with stage four.

“Patients can face modifications in their quality of life due to frequent headaches, nausea, seizures, neurological or cognitive deficits, and insomnia. Furthermore the treatment itself is often toxic and can result in considerable morbidity” (Gazzotti, Mariana, 2011). “Until recently, assessment of treatment response in brain tumor patients has been associated almost exclusively with radiological imaging response (characterized by tumor reduction in tumor dimensions), progression with symptoms and overall survival” (Gazzotti, Mariana, 2011). “In addition, quality of life may also reflect cognitive dysfunctional and functional limitations associated with the disease or as a treatment complication in these patients” (Gazzotti, Mariana, 2011). People suffering from brain cancer already go through an immense number of complications dealing with their disease alone, and the surgeon should really focus on the impact of treatment on the patient’s quality of life. Some common risks of Brain surgery are: bleeding of the brain, blood clots, brain swelling, coma, impaired speech, vision, coordination, or balance, and many more risks are

The primary ones include these types. Gliomas, the most common brain tumor involving the brain tissue. There are different grades and even types of gliomas. But if the tumor grade is higher, it will probably grow faster. Medullblastomas are brain tumors that in young children. Without treatment it will spread rapidly into the spinal fluid and other parts of the brain. But almost or half of the brain tumors found are benign. These types of brain tumors are usually Meningiomas and Neuromas. Meningiomas begin in the tissue membranes. Neuromas are in the nerves mostly in people over

Type, size, grade of glioma, location of glioma, age, and overall health of a patient helps to determine a treatment. Surgery to remove the glioma is commonly the first step in treatment. Sometimes, the tumor is small and surrounded by healthy tissue and can be surgically removed. Other times, gliomas are not easily separated from healthy tissue and are located in or around areas that cannot be surgically removed. Radiation therapy sometimes follows surgery. Chemotherapy is another treatment used for gliomas. Chemotherapy is often used with radiation therapy. Chemotherapy is a type of medication used to kill tumor cells. Targeted drug therapy is also sometimes used as a treatment of gliomas. Some people also like to use alternative medicine including, hypnosis, acupuncture, meditation and music therapy.

Tumors can be classified into three types: 1) benign 2) pre malignant 3) malignant tumor. Benign tumors are those which are incapable of abrupt expanding and affecting the other healthy brain tissues. Premalignant tumor is a pre cancerous stage, if not treated properly it may lead to cancers. It is often considered as a disease. Malignant tumor grows rapidly with time an ultimately leads to death of patient. Malignant is a medical term describing a sever growth of a disease. The most common primary brain Tumors are gliomas, wherein 70% are in the group of malignant gliomas, glioblastoma multiform (GBM).The GBM is one of the highest malignant human

A SEGA is a non cancerous tumor that occurs in the brain (TS Alliance). Treatment of this type of tumor is difficult, but possible. Barnes Jewish Hospital located in St. Louis Missouri offers treatment for patients with otherwise inoperable brain tumors. The treatment is provided by new technology that include the ablation of the tumor. Dr. Eric Leuthardt performs this surgery with a system known as the NeuroBlate. This system has been FDA approved for neurosurgery (Barnes Jewish Hospital). By taking a part in a clinical trial using the NeuroBlate technology, many patients are given a normal life

Common malignant brain cancers increase significantly according to statistical data collected by the National Cancer Institute. In 1984, the annual incidence rates of primary brain tumor and primary brain lymphoma also increased notably, the rate of lymphoma almost tripling,

Glioblastoma Multiforme is an extremely aggressive brain tumor that can drastically alter how the body moves, a person’s memory, vision, emotion, thought, etc (GBM Guide). Having something in your brain that has the potential to drastically

Gliomas are broad category of brain tumors arising from glial cells. They are the most common primary malignant neoplasms of the central nervous system. They are classified into low-grade (WHO grades I and II) and high-grade (WHO grade III and IV) tumors. Almost 80% of gliomas are astrocytic tumors including Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM). Diagnosis of glioma includes a CT scan/MRI scan and biopsy. These tumors are highly resistant to current treatment modalities including surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, corticosteroids, antiangiogenic therapy, and experimental approaches such as gene transfer, their prognosis is dismal.Malignant gliomas results from a multistep process which involves genetic alterations arised from innate and environmental

Another major breakthrough that occurred in the early 1970’s was the discovery of the first promising chemotherapy for glioma. A glioma is a malignant tumor that begins in the glial cells which surround the nervous system. Gliomas can be found in the brain and spinal cord. Researchers studied a chemotherapy drug called carmustine (BCNU) and

Glioblastomas (GBM) are tumours that arise in the brain or spinal cord, and are from astrocytes. Astrocytes are star-shaped glial cells and are responsible for support and insulation of the neurons present in the brain and the

Its function is to divide systemic circulation of the whole body from the cerebrospinal fluids. The tight junctions present between adjacent cells provide the means of filtration and thus forcing molecules to filter through them. The barrier also has different transport systems that allow molecules to enter, but restricting many larger molecules from entering (i.e. therapeutic drugs). In addition, the BBB also has large amounts of efflux pumps, which readily removes even more therapeutic drugs away. When the tumor grows larger, the structure (arrangements and contact of the astrocytes and pericytes) will be altered and filtration permeability will be increased. Although its properties have been affected, it has been shown that BBB remains intact. Hence, one must find strategies to deliver therapeutic drugs through the BBB. Recent research has shown by using antibodies against transferrin, insulin and lipoprotein receptor-related protein (LRP-1; involved with the transport of proteins and peptides), there is an increase in effective penetration through the

Chemotherapy, Radiation therapy, stem cell transplant, and targeted drug therapy are all forms of treatment for ALL. Chemotherapy is typically used as induction therapy for kids and adults. Chemotherapy can also be used in consolidation and maintenance therapies. Chemotherapy is given in a variety of ways. It can be given orally as a pill or liquid. It can be given intravenously by infusion into a vein. A cream on the skin can be given. Chemotherapy can also be given by direct placement either via lumbar puncture or a device placed just under the scalp. Radiation therapy uses high-powered beams, such as x-rays, to kill the cancer cells. Radiation therapy is usually recommended when the cancer has spread to the central nervous