Glioblastoma: Survival Rates, Treatments, and Causes
Glioblastomas (previously known as glioblastoma multiforme, or GBM) are classified as WHO grade IV. They grow rapidly, are largely resistant to treatment, and have a poor prognosis with an average survival of approximately 15 months. They are typically hemispheric and characteristically cross the corpus callosum to invade the contralateral hemisphere, appearing as big, irregular butterfly lesions on imaging with variable enhancement, significant surrounding edema, and often hemorrhagic components. Histology reveals pleomorphic tumor cells with brisk mitotic activity, prominent microvascular proliferation, and areas of necrosis and hemorrhage surrounded by pseudopalisading tumor cells (see image on the next page). Treatment is typically with surgical resection followed by concurrent radiation and chemotherapy (temo zolomide, an alkylating agent, is first-line). Ongoing clinical trials are evaluating dozens of other potential therapeutics, including other alkylating agents, anti-angiogenic treatments, targeted mutational drugs, and immunotherapy. < p. 759 Thaler and Thaler
Pseudopalisades:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16783163/
In medicine, alkylation of DNA is used in chemotherapy to damage the DNA of cancer cells. Alkylation is accomplished with the class of drugs called alkylating antineoplastic agents. < wiki
https://en.m.wikipedia .org/wiki/Alkylating_antineoplastic_agent >
Carcinogenic > https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carcinogen
Oligodendrocytes have a main body and dozens of arm-like extensions that wrap around the axons of about 30 to 40 nearby neurons (which is why oligodendrocytes are “tree-like”). These extensions provide the myelin sheath for the axons of the connected neurons.
< Jackie’s Cleveland piece
Chatgpt, in response to my query: When someone has an Oligodendroglioma is the any effect on the brain resulting from the loss of myelination
Yes, when someone has an oligodendroglioma, there can be effects on the brain resulting from the loss of myelination. Oligodendrogliomas are tumors that arise from oligodendrocytes, which are glial cells responsible for producing the myelin sheath that surrounds and insulates nerve fibers in the central nervous system.
The loss of myelination caused by an oligodendroglioma can disrupt the normal functioning of nerve fibers. Myelin helps to facilitate the conduction of electrical signals along nerve fibers, so its loss can lead to impaired signal transmission. This can result in various neurological symptoms depending on the location of the tumor.
Common symptoms of oligodendrogliomas may include seizures, headaches, cognitive changes, weakness, and sensory disturbances. The specific effects on the brain can vary depending on the size, location, and grade of the tumor, as well as individual patient factors.
Treatment for oligodendrogliomas typically involves a combination of surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. The goal is to remove or shrink the tumor and alleviate symptoms caused by the loss of myelination. However, the prognosis for oligodendrogliomas can vary, and long-term outcomes depend on several factors, including tumor grade, extent of surgical resection, and response to treatment.
