Systematic Reviews in Pharmacy is a monthly peer-review open access journal, that serves the need of different scientists and others involved in pharmaceutical research and development. Here we have explained about glioblastoma-symptoms, diagnosis and treatment

Glioblastoma is an aggressive type of cancer that can occur in the brain or spinal cord. Glioblastoma forms from cells called astrocytes that support nerve cells.

Glioblastoma can occur at any age, but tends to occur more often in older adults. It can cause worsening headaches, nausea, vomiting and seizures.

Glioblastoma, also known as glioblastoma multiforme, can be very difficult to treat and a cure is often not possible. Treatments may slow progression of the cancer and reduce signs and symptoms.

Symptoms:

The symptoms of glioma vary by tumor type as well as the tumors size, location and rate of growth.

Common signs and symptoms of gliomas include:

• Headache
• Nausea or vomiting
• Confusion or a decline in brain function
• Memory loss
• Personality changes or irritability
• Difficulty with balance
• Urinary incontinence
• Vision problems, such as blurred vision, double vision or loss of peripheral vision
• Speech difficulties
• Seizures, especially in someone without a history of seizures

Diagnosis:

Tests and procedures used to diagnose glioblastoma include:

• Neurological exam: During a neurological exam, your doctor will ask you about your signs and symptoms. He or she may check your vision, hearing, balance, coordination, strength and reflexes. Problems in one or more of these areas may provide clues about the part of your brain that could be affected by a brain tumor.
• Imaging tests: Imaging tests can help your doctor determine the location and size of your brain tumor. MRI is often used to diagnose brain tumors, and it may be used along with specialized MRI imaging, such as functional MRI and magnetic resonance spectroscopy.

Other imaging tests may include computerized tomography (CT) scan and positron emission tomography (PET).

• Removing a sample from tissue for testing (biopsy). 

Treatment:

Treatment for glioma depends on the type, size, grade and location of the tumor, as well as your age, overall health and preferences.

In addition to actions to remove the tumor itself, treatment for glioma may also require using drugs to reduce the signs and symptoms of your tumor.

Glioblastoma treatment options include:

Surgery: Surgery to remove as much of the tumor as possible is usually the first step in treating most types of gliomas.

Radiation therapy: Radiation therapy usually follows surgery in treatment of glioma, especially high-grade gliomas. Radiation uses high-energy beams, such as X-rays or protons, to kill tumor cells. Radiation therapy for glioma comes from a machine outside your body (external beam radiation).

Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy uses drugs to kill tumor cells. Chemotherapy drugs can be taken in pill form (orally) or injected into a vein (intravenously).

Chemotherapy is usually used in combination with radiation therapy to treat gliomas.

The chemotherapy drug used most often to treat gliomas is temozolomide (Temodar), which is taken as a pill.

Side effects of chemotherapy depend on the type and dose of drugs you receive. Common side effects include nausea and vomiting, headache, hair loss, fever, and weakness. Some side effects may be managed with medication

Other types of chemotherapy may be recommended if your glioblastoma recurs. These other types of chemotherapy are often administered through a vein in your arm.

• Tumor treating fields (TTF) therapy. 

TTF is combined with chemotherapy and may be recommended after radiation therapy.

• Targeted drug therapy. 

Bevacizumab (Avastin) targets the signals that glioblastoma cells send to the body that cause new blood vessels to form and deliver blood and nutrients to cancer cells. Bevacizumab may be an option if your glioblastoma recurs or doesn't respond to other treatments.

• Clinical trials.
• Supportive (palliative) care. 

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Media contact:

Maegan Smith

Managing Editor

Systematic Reviews in Pharmacy

Mail ID: specialissue@scholarlymed.com