Unless your life has been touched by it, you most likely do not know what it is. One of the most deadly forms of cancer, is Brain Cancer, and of those, Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM) has been known as The Terminator. With an average historical survival rate of roughly a year, with the 3 year survival rate at roughly 7%, it is no small wonder it was tagged with that nickname. Recent medical breakthroughs are beginning to catch up with many more "common" strains of Cancer. Caught early enough, once feared cancers are responding to treatment, and with the combination of surgery, radiation and chemotherapy, people have had reasons to be optimistic, that they can actually look forward to a cure. Better diagnostic methods, treatment, and understanding the value of nutrition to boost the body's immune system to not only prevent, but help fight the disease. These promising advances, along with celebrities who come forward with their experiences of survival, and have gone on with their lives, gives people the hope and courage to face the issues involved with treatment and recovery.

With virtually no advances for 30 or so years, Brain Cancer treatment, including GBM, which been treated as a chronic illness, has seen some remarkable progress recently. The use of surgery, where possible, certain chemotherapeutic drugs, along with radiostatic treatments, has resulted in a steady increase in the median survival rate, and better quality of life during treatment.

I was diagnosed with GBM in June of 2007. It was surgically resected (removed) almost immediately. After a wait of about 6 weeks (during which time I was encouraged by my Neurosurgeon to take a previously scheduled vacation with my wife), I began a series of focused Radiostatic treatments 5 days a week, for 42 treatments. This focused treatment was preceeded by a computer mapping and simulation program. Concurrent with the treatments I was prescribed Temodar, an oral chemotherapeutic. Once that treatment was over, I continued on Temodar 5 days a month for a year. Two and a half years later, there are no signs of the tumor. Attitude, my faith in God, the Good fortune of being blessed with a capable medical team, and a support system of friends and family, are all part of the reason I am able to update this article today.

The latest advances have been in the area of a specific treatment based on the chemical and material make-up of each individual tumor. The good news is that progress is indeed being made, and it appears we may be able to find a cure for this horrible disease in our lifetimes.

By Tony Kudalis Jack of Many Trades, Master of Quite a Few, including: Business Analyst and consultant for Information, Marketing, Systems, Databases, Custom Solutions Innovative and inventive solutions to critical Business situations and problems to k3ynot@gmail.com

What are glia cells?

Glia cells hold together the neurons in the brain. The glia communicate with the neurons to trigger the neurons to function. One way to think of glia is that they are a network of cells throughout the brain. The glia are also described as the glue that holds the neurons in place.

What happens to the glia when they become malignant?

When the cells of a glia multiply, a malignancy is forming. Initially there will not be any symptoms. Unfortunately the cancer of the glia is very aggressive, that is, develops quickly. By the time symptoms are noticed a tumor is growing.

What is gliblastoma multiforme?

GBM, as glioblastoma multiforme is called, is the deadliest, most aggressive form of brain malignancy. GBM can form anywhere in the brain, and is the highest grade of cancer, a grade 4. There is no cure. There are 500,000 cases a year in the U.S.

What are GBM symptoms?

The symptoms are directly related to where the tumor is located in the brain. Brain malignancy is difficult to diagnose because for every group of symptoms there are multiple possible diagnoses. For instance, when my husband began searching for words, we thought he was experiencing "senior moments." Yet, he quickly progressed to no longer knowing the names for objects. Then he could no longer spell or read. These symptoms progressed over four weeks.

How is glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) diagnosed?

When brain involvement is expected, the MRI is performed. The MRI will show up the tumor, where it is located, its shape, and it its size. From a biopsy, tissue samples are sent to pathology where the tumor is diagnosed.

What is the treatment standard for glioblastoma (GBM)?

The first line of defense is surgical removal, called a resection. Not all GBMs are operable. If the malignancy is located at the brain stem or anywhere else where resection would cause more harm than improvement, then surgery is not an option. The next line of defense is radiation therapy, five days a week, for four to seven weeks, along with chemotherapy. When the radiation is completed, then there will be a maintenance protocol of continued chemotherapy for several months.

What is the prognosis for this type of cancer?

Poor, glioblastoma multiforme is incurable. Other GBM tumors will form, and other surgeries may be performed. Aggressive radiation and chemotherapy will be offered. Life expectancy is anywhere from few weeks to a couple of years.

The most aggressive and deadliest form of brain cancer is glioblastoma multiforme. This is the type of cancer that Ted Kennedy had. There is no cure for this cancer. Treatment options may include surgery, radiation and chemotherapy.

Judy Brutz is a Quaker chaplain, marriage and family therapist, retreat leader and speaker. She is an authority on spouse caregiving and glioblastoma multiforme. Judy lives in Idaho with her family. Her husband is being treated for glioblastoma multiforme. Judy calls on her training and experience as hospice chaplain, therapist and retreat leader to care for herself. She writes for other spouse caregivers. She offers hope. Feel free to communicate with her. comments.judy@gmail.com