Fact-sheet: Glioblastoma multiforme


Updated on 04/23/2019 at 9:59 AM

Note : 0/10
Share

View all RADEOS cases associated with this fact-sheet

Definition

- Most common primary brain tumor

- WHO grade IV astrocytoma

- Median age at diagnosis is approximately 64 years

- Male predominance, sex ratio 1.5 to 1.8/1

Prognosis:

- Estimated mean survival of 10-15 months

Clinical features

- Recent-onset headaches

- Intracranial hypertension

- Seizures

- Psychomotor slowing

- Mild central neurological deficits

CT

Unenhanced:

- Iso- to hypodense

- Perilesional edema

- Mass effect

Post-contrast:

- Contrast enhancement

- Intratumoral necrosis

- Possible target sign

MRI

Reference examination

- Heterogeneous signal mass (T1 hypointense, T2 FLAIR hyperintense)

- Heterogeneous enhancement

- Exerting mass effect

- MR spectroscopy may be performed, showing elevated choline and decreased NAA

Management

- MDT meeting

- Treatment disclosure consultation

- Personalized care plan

- +/- radiotherapy, chemotherapy (temozolomide), surgery (surgical resection when feasible)

- Supportive care including psychological support, social work assistance, nutritional follow-up, and rehabilitation

Classification

Regarding the histopathological diagnosis of glioblastomas, the WHO distinguishes several subtypes: - IDH-wildtype glioblastomas, with three morphological subtypes: - giant cell - gliosarcoma - epithelioid - IDH-mutant glioblastomas - glioblastomas NOS (Not Otherwise Specified): IDH mutation status has not been tested or cannot be assessed on the tumor specimen.