Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most aggressive type of brain cancer. It is difficult to treat, and the median survival time for people with GBM is about 15 to 16 months with standard treatment, although some people live longer. This page explains how long a person can live with glioblastoma, the factors that affect prognosis, the standard and newer treatments, how supportive care and homeopathic treatment for glioblastoma multiforme is offered at Welling Homeopathy, and how families can plan.
Facing glioblastoma and looking for supportive care?
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Glioblastoma survival at a glance
- Median survival: about 15 to 16 months with standard treatment; around one in four live for two years, and a small minority for five years or more.
- Better outlook with: younger age, good general condition, a small tumour, complete surgical removal, MGMT promoter methylation and radiotherapy with chemotherapy.
- Standard treatment: maximal safe surgery, then radiotherapy with temozolomide, and temozolomide cycles; tumour-treating fields may be added.
- Supportive care: steroids, anti-seizure medicines, rehabilitation, nutrition, emotional support and palliative care from the start.
- Homeopathy: offered as supportive care alongside, never instead of, oncology treatment.
What is glioblastoma multiforme?
Glioblastoma (GBM, WHO grade 4 glioma) is a fast-growing cancer of the glial cells that support nerve cells in the brain. It tends to infiltrate nearby brain tissue, which is why surgery rarely removes every cell, and it almost always returns. It is the most common malignant primary brain tumour in adults.
How long can a person live with GBM?
The median survival time with standard treatment is about 15 to 16 months. Survival figures are averages from large studies; they cannot predict what will happen for one person.
| Measure | Approximate figure |
|---|---|
| Median survival with standard treatment | 15 to 16 months |
| Alive at 2 years | Roughly 1 in 4 people |
| Alive at 5 years | A small minority, around 5 to 7% |
| With tumour-treating fields added in trials | Median about 20 months in the selected trial population |
Some people live much longer than these averages, particularly younger patients with favourable tumour features.
Factors that affect how long a person may live
- Age: being younger than about 55 is associated with longer survival
- General fitness and ability to carry out daily activities (performance status)
- Size and location of the tumour; a small tumour in an accessible area does better
- The extent of surgery: removal of as much of the tumour as is safe, followed by radiation therapy and/or chemotherapy
- MGMT promoter methylation, a tumour marker that predicts a better response to temozolomide
- IDH mutation (such tumours are now classified separately and have a better outlook)
- Ability to complete radiotherapy and chemotherapy
Standard and newer treatment
- Surgery to remove as much of the tumour as can be removed safely, often with imaging-guided techniques
- Radiotherapy together with temozolomide chemotherapy, then several months of temozolomide
- Tumour-treating fields, a wearable device that delivers electric fields, added in some centres
- Bevacizumab or clinical trials, for recurrence
- Steroids for brain swelling, and anti-seizure medicines
- Rehabilitation, nutrition, mental health and palliative care
Supportive and homeopathic care
Families dealing with glioblastoma need support as well as information. At Welling Homeopathy, supportive care focuses on comfort, nutrition, energy and quality of life, alongside your oncology plan, and never instead of surgery, radiotherapy or chemotherapy. See our guide to supportive cancer care and homeopathy specialist for cancer.
Our clinical experience with glioblastoma
Start Your Homeopathy Treatment For Glioblastoma multiforme. See our specialists at any Welling Clinic in India or order online instantly.
The Immuno-knife cancer treatment for Glioblastoma multiforme can help to reduce the tumor and extend the quality of life.
Planning ahead
- Ask your team for a realistic discussion of prognosis and goals
- Discuss palliative care early; it improves comfort and does not mean stopping treatment
- Arrange a caregiver plan, legal and financial planning and, where wished, advance directives
- Seek emotional support for the patient and family; Tele-MANAS (14416) is available at any time in India
- Report new seizures, severe headaches, confusion or weakness to the care team promptly
Frequently asked questions about glioblastoma multiforme
1. How long can a person live with glioblastoma multiforme?
The median survival is about 15 to 16 months with standard treatment. About one in four people live two years, and a small minority live five years or more.
2. What affects survival in glioblastoma?
Age, general fitness, tumour size and location, the extent of surgery, MGMT methylation and completion of radiotherapy and chemotherapy.
3. Is glioblastoma curable?
Glioblastoma is difficult to treat and usually returns, so treatment aims to prolong life and maintain quality of life.
4. What is the standard treatment for glioblastoma?
Surgery to remove as much tumour as is safe, followed by radiotherapy with temozolomide chemotherapy.
5. What are tumour-treating fields?
A wearable device that delivers low-intensity electric fields to the tumour area; in a trial, adding it to temozolomide extended survival.
6. What is the role of palliative care in glioblastoma?
Palliative care helps control symptoms and supports the patient and family from diagnosis, and it can be given alongside active treatment.
7. Can homeopathy help in glioblastoma?
Welling Homeopathy offers supportive care for comfort and quality of life, as described in our clinical experience above, alongside oncology treatment. It is not a substitute for it.
8. What are the first symptoms of glioblastoma?
Headaches, seizures, nausea or vomiting, personality changes, weakness or speech and vision problems.
9. Where can I get supportive care for glioblastoma in Mumbai?
Welling Homeopathy sees patients in Andheri East, Matunga and Thane West and online, working alongside your oncology team.
Related Reading
- Homeopathy Treatment of Meningioma
- Homeopathy Specialist for Cancer
- Understanding Cancer Care at Welling Homeopathy
- 4 Step Cancer Treatment at Welling Homeopathy: Supportive Care Alongside Your Oncology Treatment
- Nutritional Advice for Cancer Prevention and During Treatment: What to Eat and What to Avoid
- Do Your Emotions Cause Cancer? The Mind–Body Link, Stress and Supportive Care
To consult Welling Homeopathy experts, call +91 80 80 850 950.
Disclaimer: this page is for information only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Results vary from person to person.
