The Deadliest Kind of Brain Cancer May Have a Promising New Treatment

[Judi Lynn]

04 November 2024
ByMathew Clement, The Conversation



Magnetic resonance imaging scans of human head with glioblastoma. scans are shown in a 2 by 6 grid in blue on a black background.
(Tonpor Kasa/Getty Images)

Glioblastoma is the most common and deadliest form of brain cancer. Patients face a bleak prognosis – the average survival after diagnosis is between 12 and 15 months. And just 6.9% of patients survive beyond five years, making it one of the most poorly survived cancers.

The toll this cancer takes goes beyond survival rates. Patients can suffer from symptoms like headaches, seizures, cognitive and personality changes, and neurological impairments. These symptoms may drastically affect their quality of life. But despite the urgent need, no targeted treatments exist for this devastating disease.

Researchers now believe that immunotherapy, which harnesses the immune system to target cancer cells, could be a turning point in the treatment of glioblastoma.

Glioblastoma is a naturally occurring tumour that belongs to a group of brain tumours called "gliomas" that originate and grow in the brain and spinal cord. Classified as a grade 4 tumour by the World Health Organization, glioblastoma is one of the most aggressive forms of cancer.

More:
https://www.sciencealert.com/the-deadliest-kind-of-brain-cancer-may-have-a-promising-new-treatment

[DFW]

1. It killed an aunt and a cousin of mine

Not to mention Teddy Kennedy, John McCain and my wife’s brother.

It has now stricken Cecile Richards. A cure or at least a life-prolonging treatment could come none too soon.

[Judi Lynn]

3. Had never heard about Cecile Richards. She is so special, as her mother was.

Sorry your wife's brother struggle with this.

[DFW]

5. He lasted two and a half years, five times as long as his oncologists expected him to.

But it's a one way diagnosis so far.

Cecile was a real shock.

From better days:

[JohnSJ]

2. It sounds like it is still a long ways off. Still in the very early stages of research.

[gademocrat7]

4. My husband

was diagnosed February 9th, 2024 with Glioblastoma. He had a complete resection of the tumor with Gamma tiles placed in the brain bed. So far there has been no recurrence of the neoplasm. We know it will return.

[brer cat]

6. I hope it doesn't return, but I know it is hard to be

optimistic with this dreadful disease. My nephew-in-law died from it, leaving a young widow and two teens.