What is glioblastoma?
Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common and aggressive type of brain cancer in adults. These tumors grow very quickly and can spread to nearby brain tissue, often making them difficult to treat. GBM develops from star-shaped cells called astrocytes. Because of their shape, they can grow tentacles into the brain and spinal cord, which makes it hard for surgeons to remove the entire tumor without affecting healthy tissue.
Glioblastoma is treated by a team of specialists who focus on brain tumors, including neurosurgeons, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, and neurologists. Penn Medicine is nationally recognized for brain tumor care and access to advanced neurology and cancer therapies. The Abramson Cancer Center, rated exceptional by the National Cancer Institute, supports this work through its longstanding leadership in cancer research and treatment.
Symptoms and signs of glioblastoma
Because glioblastoma grows quickly, it can cause pressure to build inside the skull. You might feel like something isn’t quite right, or you may experience sudden changes that resemble a stroke.
Common glioblastoma symptoms include:
- Headaches or neck pain
- Seizures
- Changes in vision
- Weakness on one side of the body
- Trouble speaking or understanding words
- Memory loss or confusion
- Changes in mood or personality
What causes glioblastoma?
Researchers are still working to understand why glioblastomas develop. Most cases happen without a clear reason. We know that these tumors can occur at any age, though they are more common in older adults.
While glioblastoma is not usually passed down through families, your risk might be slightly higher if you have a family history of brain tumors. In very rare cases, certain genetic conditions can increase the risk, but for most people, the tumor appears without a clear single cause.
Finding and diagnosing glioblastoma
If your provider suspects a glioblastoma brain tumor, they’ll start with a neurological exam to check your vision, hearing, and balance. To confirm the diagnosis, a specialist may perform a biopsy, which involves taking a tiny sample of the tumor tissue to study it under a microscope. Advanced imaging tests help show the tumor’s size and location, sometimes using contrast dye for clearer images.
Care options for glioblastoma brain tumors
Every person is unique, and your glioblastoma treatment plan will depend on your overall health and the tumor’s size and location. Because glioblastoma cancer cells often mix with healthy brain tissue, treatment usually involves a combination of methods. Surgery is often the first step to remove as much of the tumor as possible. If a tumor is deep in the brain, your provider will talk with you about the safest options to protect your brain function.
A team focused on GBM care and research
Where you receive care for glioblastoma can make a meaningful difference. While this diagnosis is serious, more people are living longer today thanks to the breakthroughs happening at Penn Medicine. We are the birthplace of CAR T cell therapy, a game-changing treatment that teaches your own immune system to find and target cancer cells.
Our specialized centers and collaborative teams support your care:
- The Brain Tumor Center: A dedicated program focused on diagnosing and treating complex brain tumors like glioblastoma.
- Glioblastoma Multiforme Translational Center of Excellence: A research-driven center developing new immune-based and cellular therapies, including next-generation CAR T treatments.
- Abramson Cancer Center: An NCI-designated cancer center recognized for excellence in research, patient care, and access to clinical trials.
- The Penn Medicine Tumor Board: A multidisciplinary team that reviews each case together to guide treatment planning.
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