Glioblastoma
Why choose us for glioblastoma care?
You can count on Mays Cancer Center, home to UT Health San Antonio MD Anderson Cancer Center, for expert glioblastoma care, enhanced options and steadfast support.
We are one of the few centers in South Texas with fellowship-trained brain tumor specialists on your team. Our unified approach to your care means we personalize your treatment, which may include emerging therapies available only through clinical trials.
We care for your whole health. Our team is here to guide you to family resources and support to help you manage a glioblastoma’s impact on your life.
Find out more about our neuro-oncology (brain tumor) program.
What you need to know about glioblastoma
- Glioblastoma (also called glioblastoma multiforme) is a type of glioma brain cancer. It is often aggressive and may present a serious threat to your health.
- Doctors do not know what causes glioblastoma. It usually affects people of older age.
- We have a team of doctors who specialize in treating glioblastoma. Multiple cancer doctors (including neuro-oncologists and neurosurgeons) consult on your care.
- We use a combination of leading therapies to tailor treatment to your needs and the specific type of cancer you have.
- Our team includes highly respected doctors who have made significant advances in brain tumor treatment. If you are eligible, your treatment options may include new cancer drugs or other therapies only available through clinical trials.
- A glioblastoma diagnosis may be unexpected. You don’t have to go through it alone. You can trust our team to stay by your side, providing leading treatment options and straightforward guidance and support.
How to talk to your doctor about glioblastoma
Everyone experiences cancer differently. Your doctor will sit down with you to explain your diagnosis and detail all your treatment options in a way that makes sense to you. Your care team will go over any clinical trials for which you may be eligible, explaining how any experimental therapies may benefit you.
We encourage you to be open with us about questions or concerns, such as symptoms or stress you experience that makes your life harder. We can guide you to a wide range of resources to support you and your family during this time.
You might want to ask your doctor about:
- Additional testing, if any, you may need to guide diagnosis or treatment
- Cancer type, including whether or where cancer has spread and how it may affect your health
- Treatment options, including what to expect if your doctor recommends surgery and any clinical trials for which you may be eligible
- Support services, including resources that can relieve discomfort or ease emotional difficulties
Making treatment decisions alone can feel overwhelming. You may feel more confident in making difficult care decisions if you have a trusted family member or friend come with you to appointments.
Types
Glioblastoma may develop in the brain or spinal cord. Doctors classify glioblastoma into two main types:
- Primary (de novo) makes up most cases of glioblastoma. This type typically grows quickly and spreads throughout the brain.
- Secondary glioblastoma is a rarer form of glioblastoma that may affect younger people (in their 40s). This cancer may grow or spread somewhat more slowly. It remains a serious threat to your health.