Glioblastoma multiforme are tumors that affect glial cells, specifically the oligodendrocytes and astrocytes that aid in the health of the neurons located in the brain. Generally, in most adults, glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) generates in the cerebral hemispheres, especially the temporal and frontal lobe of the brain. Typically, GMS’s emerge in the brain as “de novo”, or newly formed, and transform into lower-grade astrocytomas, or oligodendrogliomas (Rothmans, n.d.). Affecting the nourishing glue-like tissue in the brain, a person may only have 15 months to live after being diagnosed with glioblastoma multiforme (American Association, …show more content…
This is primarily due to the location of the tumor: the brain. Because the glial cells make up the supportive structure of the brain, the brain no longer receives the proper nourishment needed to function normally. A surgeon cannot simply cut out the entire tumor without inflicting neurological damage, and no treatment program can directly kill the replicating tumor. Once a surgeon has removed a chunk of the tumor, it regenerates and spreads further. It is merely impossible to remove the glioblastoma multiforme, because generally by the time it has been discovered, it has replaced the precious nourishing tissue (Holland, 2000). Treatment for glioblastoma multiforme is offered, however, results prove that the treatment process is not successful in sparing the life. While it does prolong the duration of a patient’s life, they are often left feeling miserable and end up passing away due from the further weakening of their bodies or complications from the treatment. Typically, in the treatment of glioblastoma multiforme, a surgeon will surgically remove as much of the tumor as possible, then the patient will be followed up with radiation therapy and chemotherapy (OncoLog.