sister, age 48, otherwise good health diagnoised with IV GBM appx 4wks ago.

Hello Anonymous,

Four years ago, I was diagnosed with a rare, malignant brain tumor, so I can truly appreciate what your sister and your family are going through.

Glioblastoma multiforme is the highest grade glioma (grade 4) tumor and is the most malignant form of glioma tumors.

Treatment of a brain tumor depends on the nature of the tumor, how rapidly it is growing, what symptoms it is causing and where it is located. Radiation therapy is required to treat gliomas. Chemotherapy also benefits some patients with such tumors.

Also noted on the Cedars-Sinai website, research is being done on a number of techniques that in the future might help treat gliobastoma multiforme, including:
Radioactive seed implants
Stereotactic radiosurgery
New forms of chemotherapy

From my own experience, physicians who are affiliated with academic and research medical centers can offer a patient cutting edge technology and treatment options.

You and your sister will be in my prayers,

Maryann