Among the types of brain tumors, Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most common and the most aggressive. It develops from glial cells, the supportive cells of the brain. Examples of these cells are astrocytes, ependymal and oligodendroglial cells. Glioblastoma multiforme accounts for the one-fifth of the primary spinal cord tumors and nearly one-half of the primary brain tumors. The World Health Organization identified a contemporary classification based on the origin of the cell and histologic features. Grade I and II are slow growing and low grade glioblastoma multiforme. On the other hand, malignant or high grade glioblastoma multiforme grow much more quickly. They are classified either as grade III or anaplastic and grade IV. 40% of all primary brain tumors cases is comprised of combined grade III and IV glioblastoma multiforme patients aging 40-49 year, while 60% are patients aging 60 years and older. Grade IV glioblastoma multiforme, or GBM is characterized as having multiple abnormalities on genetic and chromosomal aspect, which leads to the rapid generation of these tumors. As tumors increase in number, they also rapidly destroy the surrounding brain tissues. When the tumor outgrows its blood supply, necrosis happens. But the tumor's peripheral areas readily undergo angiogenesis or formation of new blood vessels, forming continued rapid metastasis of GBM. Manifestation of symptoms for glioblastoma multiforme depends on its brain location and its growth rate. These commonly include seizure, sensational impairment, nausea and vomiting, difficulty of vision, behavioral changes, balance difficulty and thinking impairment.The initial diagnosis of the condition is usually incidental. CT scan, MRI and PET may be done for further evaluation.
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is more preferred over CT scan for it provides more exact brain tumor location. However, positron emission tomography (PET) scanning provides information regarding the metabolic potential of a brain tumor and in case of a glioblastoma multiforme, it depicts a more aggressive and rapidly increasing tumors. Regarding its treatments, surgery, chemotheraphy and radiation therapy are the options. The primary treatment for glioblastoma multiforme is an open surgery through craniotomy. It aims to remove the tumor with producing any neurological function damage. If not removed, area may be resistant to other procedures like chemotherapy and radiation. It also provides sample tissue that may be used for its histological and genetic analysis. Adjuvant treatments for GBM are radiation and chemotherapy. These are usually done to patients who have unstable medical condition; patients having various types of cancer simultaneously; patients who opposed surgery; patients having tumors on both hemispheres of the brain and in inoperable location like the brainstem. But conventional radiation therapy leads to side effects like fatigue, hair loss, memory loss and scarring of tissues. Nevertheless, advances in technology like stereostatic surgery which may be the Gamma Knife or the Cyberknife treatment for Glioblastoma multiforme (GVM)
A large, single dose of radiation in a radiosurgery is done to delay the reoccurrence of tumor. According to clinical studies, it prolongs the patient's survival by creating a zone of tumor destruction as compared to the traditional radiation therapy that only suppresses the tumor growth. Some technologies specifically Gamma Knife makes use of radioactive cobalt as its ionizing radiation source but all of which uses stereotactic frames to accurately locate the tumor and immobilize the patient. It is done by anchoring the patient's skull with invasive titanium or aluminum screw. As compared, the Cyberknife treatment for Glioblastoma multiforme (GVM) is non-invasive. No screws or scalpel is used. It is a painless procedure with no potential risk for bleeding or risk for infection. It uses a robotic non-isocentric targeting system that enables the radiation to reach tumors in all angles. This procedure is usually done in an out-patient basis. Thus patient may resume to their usual lifestyle after the procedure.
Known for its effective and credible Cyberknife treatment for Glioblastoma multiforme (GVM) is the Colorado Cyberknife. It is the first Robotic Cyberknife Robotic Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT) System and the world's 1st CyberKnife VSI treatment facility. It has credible health professionals that ensure proper, accurate and safe treatment for patients. It also provides an individualized treatment plan for every patient, enabling them to be recognized all over the world in the field of treating cancer cases.
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is more preferred over CT scan for it provides more exact brain tumor location. However, positron emission tomography (PET) scanning provides information regarding the metabolic potential of a brain tumor and in case of a glioblastoma multiforme, it depicts a more aggressive and rapidly increasing tumors. Regarding its treatments, surgery, chemotheraphy and radiation therapy are the options. The primary treatment for glioblastoma multiforme is an open surgery through craniotomy. It aims to remove the tumor with producing any neurological function damage. If not removed, area may be resistant to other procedures like chemotherapy and radiation. It also provides sample tissue that may be used for its histological and genetic analysis. Adjuvant treatments for GBM are radiation and chemotherapy. These are usually done to patients who have unstable medical condition; patients having various types of cancer simultaneously; patients who opposed surgery; patients having tumors on both hemispheres of the brain and in inoperable location like the brainstem. But conventional radiation therapy leads to side effects like fatigue, hair loss, memory loss and scarring of tissues. Nevertheless, advances in technology like stereostatic surgery which may be the Gamma Knife or the Cyberknife treatment for Glioblastoma multiforme (GVM)
A large, single dose of radiation in a radiosurgery is done to delay the reoccurrence of tumor. According to clinical studies, it prolongs the patient's survival by creating a zone of tumor destruction as compared to the traditional radiation therapy that only suppresses the tumor growth. Some technologies specifically Gamma Knife makes use of radioactive cobalt as its ionizing radiation source but all of which uses stereotactic frames to accurately locate the tumor and immobilize the patient. It is done by anchoring the patient's skull with invasive titanium or aluminum screw. As compared, the Cyberknife treatment for Glioblastoma multiforme (GVM) is non-invasive. No screws or scalpel is used. It is a painless procedure with no potential risk for bleeding or risk for infection. It uses a robotic non-isocentric targeting system that enables the radiation to reach tumors in all angles. This procedure is usually done in an out-patient basis. Thus patient may resume to their usual lifestyle after the procedure.
Known for its effective and credible Cyberknife treatment for Glioblastoma multiforme (GVM) is the Colorado Cyberknife. It is the first Robotic Cyberknife Robotic Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT) System and the world's 1st CyberKnife VSI treatment facility. It has credible health professionals that ensure proper, accurate and safe treatment for patients. It also provides an individualized treatment plan for every patient, enabling them to be recognized all over the world in the field of treating cancer cases.
Visit http://www.ColoradoCyberknife.com to Learn the 5 things your Dr. should know about the world's first Cyberknife VSI Treatment Facility & 1st Robotic CyberKnife IMRT System
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