How is Glioblastoma treated?

A glioblastoma is a fast-growing type of brain tumor. For patients who are diagnosed with a glioblastoma, we work closely with you and your family to develop a treatment plan that suit your needs. Glioblastomas, also called glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), may be treated by:

• Surgery to safely remove as much tumor as possible. Radiation therapy and chemotherapy may follow.
• Radiation therapy and/or chemotherapy to slow growth of tumors that cannot be removed with surgery. In some instances (such as for larger tumors), the radiation treatment is divided, or fractionated, over several days. In this instance the treatment is called stereotactic radiotherapy, or SRT.
• New drugs and combination therapies currently in clinical trials at Brigham and Women’s. Some of these target tumor growth or trigger an immune response.

For some patients, glioblastoma treatment may combine several different approaches. Glioblastomas can be difficult to treat because the tumors contain many different types of cells. Some tumors may respond to certain therapies, while others will not. Despite significant advances in treating glioblastomas, they frequently return and require ongoing imaging and treatment.

What are the Glioblastoma treatment options at Brigham and Women’s Hospital?

Our experienced neurosurgeons treat hundreds of glioblastoma patients each year. For each patient, our neurosurgeons collaborate with cancer specialists to develop a personalized treatment plan, using the most up-to-date treatments.

Contact the Brain Tumor Center

The Department of Neurosurgery includes 23 neurosurgeons – among them world leaders in the diagnosis and treatment of glioblastomas. In additional to their exceptional technical skill, our neurosurgeons are known for their clear communication, compassion, ample time spent with patients, and personal care and attention

We understand that confronting a brain tumor can be frightening for many people and their families, and we are aware of the challenges this presents. A guiding principle of the Department of Neurosurgery is to put the patient and family first. We emphasize healing in a comfortable, relaxed environment. Your physicians are accessible to you throughout your care – before, during and after the treatment period.

To schedule an appointment with a physician in the Brain Tumor Center, please contact our Patient Coordinator at: (617) 732-6600. We see new patients with a brain tumor diagnosis as soon as the next business day.

If you are a physician seeking to refer a patient to the Brain Tumor Center, please call (617) 732-6600 or you can access our physicians’ office phone numbers. To contact one of our physicians with a question, patient referral or second opinion, you may also email: BWHNeurosurgery@partners.org.