Re: glioblastoma multiforms - information

Posted By CCFNeuro MD on June 23, 1997 at 22:21:45:

In Reply to: glioblastoma multiforms - information posted by Ivo   on June 15, 1997 at 16:37:33:









Dear Doctor:
What can you tell me about medical treatment and prognosticate
the brain tumor called glioblastoma multiforms (boy 21 years old ).
Please respond to me as soon as possible.
Thank you verry much.
Ivo M.




Hello, Ivo,
In general, glioblastoma multiforme is under the catagory of malignant astrocytoma.  The age of onset is usually 40-60 years, with a male-female ratio of 2 to 1.  They can occur anywhere in the neuraxis and affect both sides of brain. Several prognostic variables have been identified.  A duration of symptoms greater than 6 months, the presence of seizures and a high postoperative performance status correlate with a better prognosis.
The treatment modelities include radiotherapy aiming at improving the mean survival, and chemotherapy showing some benefit in treating young and high performance status patients.  The newer options including immunotherapy and genetic modification.  They may represent the future direction of brain tumor management.  
Our neuro-oncologist, Dr. Bruce Cohen specializes in this field.  If you are interested in making appointment with him, please contact the appointment desk at [phone].
This information is provided for general medical education purpose only. Please contact your primary physician for the diagnosis and treatment of your specific medical condition.