Glioblastoma is one of the most aggressive forms of brain cancer, and treating it effectively can be challenging due to its rapid growth and resistance to conventional therapies. Here’s an overview of the typical treatments used for GBM:
- Surgery: The first line of treatment is surgery to provide maximal safe resection of the tumor. This can help reduce symptoms and improve the effectiveness of other treatments.
- Radiation Therapy: Following surgery, radiation therapy is commonly used to kill any remaining cancer cells and reduce the chances of the tumor returning. It involves targeting the affected area of the brain with high-energy beams.
- Chemotherapy: Drugs like temozolomide are used to kill cancer cells. Chemotherapy can be administered orally or intravenously and is often used in combination with radiation therapy.
- Tumor Treating Fields (TTF): This is a relatively new type of treatment involving an FDA-approved portable medical device that creates electric fields, which can disrupt the growth and division of cancer cells.
- Targeted Therapy: These treatments target specific abnormalities within cancer cells. For example, drugs like bevacizumab are used to inhibit the growth of blood vessels that feed tumors, potentially limiting tumor growth.
- Clinical Trials: Due to the aggressive nature of glioblastoma, there are many new treatments in the pipeline to provide improved care. Participation in clinical trials can provide access to new therapies that are not yet widely available.
Your specific treatment plan often involves a combination of these methods and is tailored to the individual patient’s situation. Regular follow-up and monitoring by your GW Cancer Center multidisciplinary team are essential to assess the treatment's effectiveness and manage any side effects or complications.
