Glioblastoma
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Glioblastoma Overview

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Learn About Glioblastoma

View Main Condition: Brain Tumor

What is the definition of Glioblastoma?
Glioblastoma is the most aggressive type of brain cancer. Glioblastoma develops from glial cells, which are specialized cells that surround and support neurons (nerve cells) in the brain.  Glioblastomas are classified as malignant Grade 4 tumors, meaning that they are rapidly reproducing and spreading.
What are the alternative names for Glioblastoma?
Glioblastoma may also be referred to as glioblastoma multiforme or GBM. 
What are the causes of Glioblastoma?
The causes of glioblastoma are not well defined. However, glioblastoma can rarely occur in individuals who have had previous radiation therapy, or individuals who have genetic conditions including neurofibromatosis and Li-Fraumeni syndrome.
What are the symptoms of Glioblastoma?
The symptoms of glioblastomas vary by location of the tumor. Common symptoms of glioblastoma include increased pressure in the brain, headaches, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, memory issues, and seizures. 
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What are the current treatments for Glioblastoma?
There is currently no cure for glioblastoma. Treatment depends on several factors including the size and location of the tumor, as well as the patient's overall health. Most treatment plans are palliative and designed based on an individual patient's unique situation. In general, treatment for glioblastoma may include surgery, radiation therapy, and/or chemotherapy. Surgery to remove as much of the tumor as possible is generally the first step in treating glioblastoma. However, if a tumor is located near a sensitive area in the brain, surgery may not be possible at all. Radiation therapy often follows surgery for the treatment of glioma. Radiation therapy involves the use of high-energy beams, including X-rays or protons, to destroy tumor cells. Chemotherapy involves the use of drugs, either taken orally or injected through a vein, to kill tumor cells. Chemotherapy is often used in combination with radiation therapy.
Who are the top Glioblastoma Local Doctors?
Elite in Glioblastoma
Dr. Henry S. Friedman
Neurosurgery | Hematology | Oncology
Elite in Glioblastoma
Dr. Henry S. Friedman
Neurosurgery | Hematology | Oncology
Referral may be required

Duke Cancer Center Brain Tumor Clinic

20 Duke Medicine Cir, 
Durham, NC 
919-684-5301
Languages Spoken:
English
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Accepting New Patients
Offers Telehealth

Henry Friedman is a Neurosurgery specialist and a Hematologist practicing medicine in Durham, North Carolina. Dr. Friedman is rated as an Elite provider by MediFind in the treatment of Glioblastoma. He is also highly rated in 18 other conditions, according to our data. His clinical expertise encompasses Glioma, Astrocytoma, Glioblastoma, and Brain Tumor. Dr. Friedman is board certified in American Board Of Pediatrics, General Pediatrics and American Board Of Pediatrics, Pediatric Hematology-Oncology. Dr. Friedman is currently accepting new patients.

Elite in Glioblastoma
Dr. Ricardo J. Komotar
Oncology | Neurosurgery
Elite in Glioblastoma
Dr. Ricardo J. Komotar
Oncology | Neurosurgery
Referral may be required
1295 Northwest 14th Street, 
Miami, FL 
305-243-6946
Languages Spoken:
English, Spanish
See accepted insurances
Accepting New Patients
Offers Telehealth

Ricardo Komotar is an Oncologist and a Neurosurgery provider practicing medicine in Miami, Florida. Dr. Komotar is rated as an Elite provider by MediFind in the treatment of Glioblastoma. He is also highly rated in 57 other conditions, according to our data. His clinical expertise encompasses Brain Tumor, Meningioma, Glioblastoma, Awake Craniotomy, and Posterior Fossa Decompression. Dr. Komotar is currently accepting new patients.

 
 
 
 
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Elite in Glioblastoma
Dr. Andrew J. Tsung
Neurosurgery
Elite in Glioblastoma
Dr. Andrew J. Tsung
Neurosurgery
Referral may be required

OSF Illinois Neurological Institute - Neurosurgery

1400 West Park Street, 
Urbana, IL 
309-624-4000
Languages Spoken:
English
See accepted insurances
Accepting New Patients
Offers Telehealth

Andrew Tsung is a Neurosurgery provider practicing medicine in Urbana, Illinois. Dr. Tsung is rated as an Elite provider by MediFind in the treatment of Glioblastoma. He is also highly rated in 47 other conditions, according to our data. His clinical expertise encompasses Glioblastoma, Astrocytoma, Glioma, Awake Craniotomy, and Gamma Knife Radiosurgery. Dr. Tsung is board certified in American Board Of Neurological Surgery. Dr. Tsung is currently accepting new patients.

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What is the outlook (prognosis) for Glioblastoma?
The prognosis for individuals with glioblastoma is poor. There is currently no cure for glioblastoma, and many people live less than a year after they're diagnosed. Individuals who've had a portion of their tumor removed, or individuals undergoing chemotherapy and radiation therapy are likely to experience longer survival. 
How do I prevent Glioblastoma?
There is no known way to prevent glioblastomas. However, if you develop any symptoms common to a glioblastoma, it is recommended to make an appointment with your doctor to be properly diagnosed.
What are the latest Glioblastoma Clinical Trials?
A Randomized, Open-label, Multicentric, Two-arm Pivotal Trial of SonoCloud-9 Combined With Carboplatin (CBDCA) vs Standard of Care Lomustine (CCNU) or Temozolomide (TMZ) in Patients Undergoing Planned Resection for First Recurrence Glioblastoma.
A Randomized, Open-label, Multicentric, Two-arm Pivotal Trial of SonoCloud-9 Combined With Carboplatin (CBDCA) vs Standard of Care Lomustine (CCNU) or Temozolomide (TMZ) in Patients Undergoing Planned Resection for First Recurrence Glioblastoma.
Enrollment Status: Recruiting
Publish Date: September 08, 2026
Intervention Type: Drug, Device
Study Phase: Phase 3

Summary: The brain is protected from any toxic or inflammatory molecule by the blood-brain barrier (BBB). This physical barrier is located at the level of the blood vessel walls. Because of these barrier properties, the blood vessels are also impermeable to the passage of therapeutic molecules from the blood to the brain. The development of effective treatments against glioblastoma is thus limited due to t...

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Molecularly-Guided Phase II Umbrella Trial for Children, Adolescents, and Young Adults Newly Diagnosed With High-Grade Glioma, Including Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma
Molecularly-Guided Phase II Umbrella Trial for Children, Adolescents, and Young Adults Newly Diagnosed With High-Grade Glioma, Including Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma
Enrollment Status: Recruiting
Publish Date: September 08, 2026

Summary: The goal of this study is to perform genetic sequencing on brain tumors from children, adolescents, and young adult patients who have been newly diagnosed with a high-grade glioma. This molecular profiling will decide if patients are eligible to participate in a subsequent treatment-based clinical trial based on the genetic alterations identified in their tumor.

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What are some Advocacy Organizations?
keep-punching-brain-cancer

Keep Punching supports patients, healthcare providers, and researchers in their fight to prevent and eradicate brain cancer and minimize treatment-related side effects that may adversely impact function and comfort.