Best treatment for Glioblastoma

The treatment for glioblastoma (GBM), a highly aggressive type of brain tumor, typically involves a multi-modal approach, combining surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. 

Surgery: Maximal Safe Resection. The first step is often to remove as much of the tumor as possible without damaging critical brain functions. Complete resection is challenging due to the tumor's tendency to infiltrate surrounding brain tissue.

Radiation Therapy: External Beam Radiation. After surgery, most patients undergo radiation therapy to target any remaining tumor cells. This is often done over several weeks.

Chemotherapy: Temozolomide (TMZ). This is the standard chemotherapy drug used in conjunction with radiation therapy. It is an oral alkylating agent that damages the DNA of cancer cells, preventing their growth.

Adjuvant Chemotherapy: TMZ is often continued after the initial treatment phase (concurrent with radiation), in 6-12 months or longer cycles, depending on the response.

Tumor Treating Fields (TTF): Optune Device. This wearable device delivers low-intensity alternating electric fields to disrupt cancer cell division. It is often combined with TMZ in newly diagnosed cases.

Targeted Therapies and Immunotherapy (experimental approaches): Bevacizumab (Avastin). A monoclonal antibody targeting vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) to reduce tumor blood vessel growth, is often used in recurrent GBM cases.

Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors: Though still in clinical trials, drugs targeting PD-1 or CTLA-4 to enhance the immune response are being investigated.

Vaccine Therapy: Several experimental vaccines, such as DCVax-L and Rindopepimut, aim to stimulate the immune system to attack GBM cells. These are still in clinical trials.

CAR T-Cell Therapy: Involves genetically modifying a patient's T-cells to better recognize and attack glioblastoma cells.

Clinical Trials: Since GBM has a high recurrence rate and is difficult to treat, many patients may be eligible for clinical trials involving novel therapies, such as gene therapy, oncolytic viruses, or new drug combinations.

Supportive Care: Managing symptoms like seizures, brain swelling (with corticosteroids), and neurological deficits is critical to improving the patient's quality of life during treatment.

Given the aggressive nature of glioblastoma, early diagnosis, prompt intervention, and participation in clinical trials offer the best outcomes. Treatment is tailored to each patient's specific case, considering factors like tumor location, genetic mutations (such as MGMT methylation status), and overall health.

A Report on a Glioblastoma Patient Who Was Cured of Cancer