Try adjusting your type
14th October, 2009
European Survey on Standards of Care in paediatric oncology centres. J. R. Kowalczyk, M. Samardakiewicz, K. Pritchard-Jones, R. Ladenstein, S. Essiaf, E. Fitzgerald, G. Petrarulo, G. Vassal - EJC , Volume 61, pp 11-19
8th December, 2014
The purpose of this website is to provide good and clear information about the long-term effects of childhood cancer and to refer to the various late-effects outpatient clinics (LATER outpatient clinics) that exist in the Netherlands.
8th September, 2015
Cancer in young people is rare, but it is still a major health issue in Europe. Each year, more than 6,000 young people in Europe die of cancer. There are more than 300,000 European childhood cancer survivors (in 2020, they will be nearly half a million): two-thirds of them have some late side effects of treatment, that are severe and impact on the daily life of half of those affected.
Glioblastoma is a malignant, aggressive type of brain cancer that arises from star-shaped cells (astrocytes) forming the supportive tissue of the brain. Known for its fast growth and spread, it is the most lethal of brain cancers. Symptoms usually include headaches, seizures, and neurological deficits. Despite available treatments like surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy, prognosis remains poor.
Unveiling the mysteries behind complex medical conditions such as glioblastoma is crucial. This aggressive brain tumor affects many individuals worldwide, thereby making its understanding an essential task. Let’s start by breaking down exactly what this condition is, how it is classified and distinguished from other brain tumors, its causes along with risk factors, symptoms, diagnostic methods, treatment options, and prognosis.
Glioblastoma, sometimes referred to as glioblastoma multiforme, is a high-grade glioma and the most aggressive cancer that originates from the supportive tissue of the brain, called the glial cells. This deadly condition progresses rapidly, usually in the form of malignant tumors that invades the brain’s normal tissue, disrupting vital neurological functions.
A classification system called the World Health Organization (WHO) grading system classifies glioblastomas as grade IV tumors based on their behavior, growth rate, and histological characteristics. This classification communicates the inherent severity and aggressiveness of this brain cancer type.
Glioblastomas stand out from other brain tumors due to their highly malignant nature, which makes treatment and control difficult. Moreover, the distinctive microscopic appearance where the tumor cells closely resemble normal glial cells set glioblastomas apart from other brain tumor types.
Like other forms of cancer, glioblastomas are primarily caused by genetic mutations, either inherited or sporadic. Certain chromosomal abnormalities have been significantly associated with glioblastomas. Genetic conditions like neurofibromatosis can also increase the risk of the development of glioblastomas.
Environmental and certain lifestyle factors like exposure to ionizing radiation, use of tobacco, and certain infections have been studied for their potential links to glioblastoma. Although not definitive, there is the suggestion of a risk association.
Certain pre-existing health conditions such as epileptic seizures and neurodegenerative conditions like Alzheimer’s disease can increase the likelihood of developing glioblastoma.
Common symptoms associated with glioblastoma often include headaches, seizures, mood and personality changes, memory problems, and even neurologic deficits like speech or vision difficulties. The symptoms usually depend on the location of the tumor.
Diagnosing glioblastomas involves a thorough neurological examination, supplemented by imaging studies such as CT scans and MRIs. These tests help detect the size, location, and tumor growth rate.
While imaging tests provide a preliminary sense of tumor presence and its characteristics, a biopsy is essential to confirm the diagnosis. A biopsy involves removing a tissue sample from the suspected area and examining it under a microscope to identify the tumor type and grade.
Treatment of glioblastoma usually involves a combined approach of surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. Each treatment alternative has its own pros and cons.
Surgical resection, an option often adopted, aims to remove as much of the tumor as possible. However, the risks include potential infection and other complications, along with the reality that complete removal is often not achievable due to the invasive nature of glioblastoma.
Radiation therapy utilizes highly energized particles or waves to kill cancer cells. Despite its effectiveness, the general side effects of radiation treatment, such as fatigue, skin problems, and memory difficulties, are notable downsides.
Chemotherapy involves the use of drugs to kill or impede the growth of cancer cells. A commonly used drug is Temozolomide. Despite chemotherapy’s potential benefits, it may screw up the balance of bodily functions and cause a wide range of side effects.
Recent advancements have brought innovative methods, such as targeted therapy, immunotherapy, and even the possibility of personalized medicine. As promising as these sound, they are currently in varying stages of research and trial.
Prognosis varies significantly among patients due to factors such as age, functional status, and the molecular profile of the tumor.
Glioblastoma has a relatively low five-year survival rate. Most median survival time spanned between twelve and fifteen months. However, individual survival times may differ wildly depending on several factors.
Prognosis can be influenced by factors such as age, the overall health of the patient, tumor characteristics, and extent of resection. Genetic mutations such as IDH1 mutation and MGMT methylation status are beginning to be recognized for their roles in prognosis.
While statistics can provide a general expectation, it is vital to remember that every individual is unique. Personal experiences and anecdotal information may often deviate from the norm.
Understanding glioblastoma helps to better manage this complex condition due to genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors. Our knowledge about its symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options is continually evolving, and it is hopeful that with ongoing research, much needed effective treatment strategies will soon be unearthed.
Glioblastoma is a highly aggressive type of brain tumor that differentiates from others due to its malignancy, which makes treatment and control difficult.
The primary cause of glioblastoma is genetic mutation either inherited or sporadic. Other factors contributing to its development include exposure to ionizing radiation, lifestyle factors like smoking, and certain pre-existing health conditions.
Diagnosing glioblastoma typically involves a neurological examination, imaging tests such as CT scans and MRIs, and a biopsy.
Common treatment modalities include surgery, radiation therapy and chemotherapy. Moreover, advancements in treatment options have introduced targeted therapy, immunotherapy, and the potential for personalized treatment strategies.
Various factors play a role in making up the prognosis. Generally, glioblastoma has a low five-year survival rate. However, certain factors like patient age, overall health, tumor characteristics and genetic mutations may influence the prognosis.
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