Glioblastoma

Glioblastoma, glioblastoma multiforme, astrocytoma grade IV, and grade IV astrocytoma are all names for the same tumor. Glioblastoma belongs to a family of brain tumors called "astrocytomas." These are tumors which arise from "astrocytes" - star-shaped cells of the brain which play a role in supporting normal brain tissue. 

The articles below explain what glioblastoma is, how it is treated, options in treating this type of tumor, and support resources for both the patient and the family.

Click on the blue text for more detailed information. Scroll down the page to see the entire list of articles on this page.

High grade gliomas: What patients and families need to know
Glioblastoma multiforme, anaplastic astrocytoma, and another type of tumor alled oligodendroglioma are referred to as "high grade gliomas." This article, written by a physician, explains what newly diagnosed families need to know about their treatment options. It also offers questions to ask your physician about your treatment plan.

Benign vs. Malignant
This article offers a basic explanation of what makes some brain tumors "benign" and some "malignant," how the word "cancer" is used in the brain tumor community,  the difference between tumor "grade" and "stage," and help understanding the meaning of all these words.  

About Astrocytomas 
When this file opens, scroll down to "Astrocytoma" section for an introduction to astrocytomas, a diagram of an astrocyte, and information about grade I, II, III (also called anaplastic astrocytoma) and grade IV astrocytoma (also called glioblastoma or gliobastoma multiforme). 

Glioblastoma Multiforme and Anaplastic Astrocytoma 
This easy-to read article explains glioblastoma and it's "cousin" tumor, anaplastic astrcytoma; treatments and treatment options; and support resources.

Glioblastoma - Moving Research into Treatment
This review article discusses glioblastoma (also called astrocytoma grade IV), what we know about its origin, current research and treatment options.

Advances in Treating Brain Tumors
An introduction to recent changes in the way brain tumors are diagnosed and treated. The article focuses on malignant brain tumors.

Treating Brain Tumors
Visit this section of the ABTA web site for detailed information about surgery, radiation therapies, chemotherapy, steroids, clinical trials, new treatments, and alternative and complementary therapies.

Stay Updated
This free service sends you monthly e-mail updates of new treatments in development, clinical trial results, research study results, and news from the brain tumor community. Follow the link to sign up for these complimentary ABTA e-mail bulletins.

Care & Support
This wonderfully supportive area of the ABTA web site offers tips, techniques, and resources for people living with the diagnosis of a brain tumor.

May, 2010