There are several core elements of glioblastoma therapy, which differ depending on whether the glioblastoma is newly-diagnosed (de novo) or recurrent.
Surgery
Surgery aims to remove as much tumor mass as possible (resection). In certain cases, e.g., if the position of a tumor makes it unsuitable for surgery, a biopsy (tumor tissue sample) will be taken for further analysis.
Radiotherapy
This type of therapy is used after a resection/biopsy. High-energy radiation is directed at the tumor, and this may lead to the death of tumor cells. This outpatient treatment takes several weeks.
Chemotherapy
This therapy uses medications that frequently include the active substance temozolomide (TMZ) to kill the tumor cells. In most cases, chemotherapy is used together with radiotherapy and continues to be administered in monthly cycles after radiotherapy.
Tumor Treating Fields (Optune)
Optune is a wearable therapy consisting of a device that produces alternating electric fields called Tumor Treating Fields (TTFields). TTFields may slow or stop the division of glioblastoma cells. This is a non-invasive local therapy that is directed towards the cancer cells that are dividing in the brain, and it does not usually damage inactive cells, based on our current level of knowledge. As a rule, Optune is used to treat newly-diagnosed glioblastomas, and temozolomide (TMZ) is simultaneously administered as maintenance chemotherapy.
