ABSTRACT
Glioblastoma (formerly glioblastoma multiforme), a WHO Grade IV tumor, represents the most common primary malignant brain tumor, with extremely aggressive behavior. It can arise de novo or result from malignant transformation of other gliomas, such as diffuse astrocytoma and/or anaplastic astrocytoma. Glioblastoma exhibits the highest degree of angiogenesis of all solid tumors. Patients with glioblastoma often manifest with the classical triad of increased intracranial pressure. Characteristic histopathological features of glioblastoma include nuclear atypia, mitotic activity, microvascular proliferation, and necrosis. The current standard care for glioblastoma consists of safe maximal surgical resection followed by concurrent radiation followed by adjuvant temozolomide. The prognosis of glioblastoma remains poor despite advancements in treatment. Younger age at diagnosis and good performance status are independent favorable prognostic factors. Glioblastoma exhibits heterogeneity at the morphological, biological, genomic, and antigenic levels, rendering the tumor cells resistant to available treatment modalities.
