Glioblastoma (GBM, WHO Grade IV astrocytoma) is the most common and aggressive primary malignant brain tumor in adults, accounting for ~14.5% of all primary brain tumors and ~48.6% of all malignant primary brain tumors (CBTRUS).
Key Statistics
- Annual incidence: ~3.23 per 100,000 in the U.S. (~13,000+ new cases/year)
- Median age at diagnosis: 64 years
- 5-year survival: ~6.8% — among the lowest of any cancer
- Median survival with standard therapy: 15–18 months
- Slightly more common in men (1.6:1 male-to-female ratio)
Symptoms
- Progressive headaches (often worse in the morning)
- New seizures (in 25–50% of patients at presentation)
- Cognitive or personality changes
- Focal neurological deficits (weakness, speech difficulty)
- Nausea and vomiting from increased intracranial pressure
Treatment — Stupp Protocol Standard of Care
- Maximal safe surgical resection — extent of resection directly correlates with survival
- Awake craniotomy for tumors near eloquent cortex
- Concurrent chemoradiation (temozolomide + 60 Gy radiation over 6 weeks)
- Adjuvant temozolomide for 6+ cycles
- Tumor Treating Fields (Optune) — FDA-approved adjunct
- Clinical trial enrollment when appropriate
Common Symptoms
- Worsening headaches
- Seizures
- Speech or language problems
- Progressive weakness
- Memory loss
- Personality changes
- Vision disturbances
Treatment Options
Maximal safe resection
Awake craniotomy
Stereotactic biopsy
Chemoradiation coordination
Tumor Treating Fields referral
Dr. Marcus Stephens
Board-Certified Neurosurgeon
Providing expert glioblastoma (gbm) treatment at Nova Brain and Spine of GA in Hampton, Georgia. Serving patients throughout Southern Georgia and the Atlanta metro area.