Glioblastoma: What It Is, How It’s Treated, and What You Need to Know

When someone hears glioblastoma, a fast-growing, malignant brain tumor that starts in glial cells. Also known as GBM, it’s the most common and deadliest type of primary brain cancer in adults. Unlike slow-growing tumors, glioblastoma spreads quickly through brain tissue, making complete removal nearly impossible. It doesn’t usually spread outside the brain, but it tears through healthy brain matter like wildfire.

This isn’t just a medical term—it’s a life-altering diagnosis. About 3 in 100,000 people in India get glioblastoma each year, mostly between ages 45 and 70. Symptoms often start quietly: a headache that won’t go away, trouble remembering things, sudden seizures, or weakness on one side of the body. People often mistake these for stress, aging, or migraines. By the time it’s found, the tumor has already taken root in critical areas. Surgery is usually the first step, but even if doctors remove 99% of the tumor, the remaining cells come back. Radiation and chemotherapy—usually temozolomide—are standard after surgery. Still, the median survival is just 12 to 18 months. A small number live longer, especially if they’re younger, healthier, and respond well to treatment.

What’s happening in India? Many patients get care in big cities like Delhi, Bangalore, or Mumbai, where neuro-oncology centers have access to advanced imaging, targeted therapies, and clinical trials. Some hospitals now use tumor-treating fields (TTFields), a wearable device that sends low-intensity electric currents into the brain to slow tumor growth. It’s not a cure, but it can add months to life expectancy. There’s also growing interest in immunotherapy and personalized medicine, though these are still expensive and not widely available outside top-tier hospitals. Families often face tough choices: how much treatment is too much? When does quality of life outweigh the chance of survival?

There’s no magic bullet, but knowledge helps. Knowing what to expect, what treatments exist, and where to find support can make a real difference. Below, you’ll find real stories and practical guides from people who’ve faced this—what worked, what didn’t, and how they navigated the system in India. No fluff. Just what matters.