Making progress in treating glioblastoma

By Jennifer O'Hara

When it comes to malignant tumors in the brain and spinal cord, glioblastoma is the most common. Glioblastoma is an aggressive form of cancer that forms from cells called astrocytes in the brain or the spinal cord. Glioblastoma can occur at any age, but it's more common in older adults. It can cause worsening headaches, nausea, vomiting and seizures.

Glioblastoma can be difficult to treat. Current treatments include surgery, radiation and chemotherapy, but thanks to research and clinical trials, new therapies are being developed.

"We're coming together as a community to treat this," says Wendy Sherman, M.D., a Mayo Clinic neurologist. "We're getting more patients on trial and we're being smarter about our trials. It's an exciting time for our field, and I'm very hopeful that we're going to make progress on this."

A cure is often not possible, but disease management and treatment may slow progression of the cancer and decrease the side effects.

Watch Dr. Sherman discuss glioblastoma diagnosis, treatment and research in this "Mayo Clinic Q&A" podcast video:

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Learn more

Learn more about glioblastoma and find a glioblastoma clinical trial at Mayo Clinic.

Also read these articles:

• "Brain tumors: What you should know."
• "Glioblastoma in older adults: improving survival and quality of life."
• "Complex brain surgery gives woman more time with family."
• "New therapies, holistic modalities and hope help photographer see future."

A version of this article was originally published on the Mayo Clinic News Network.