Case
About this case
Operative video: Glioblastoma. The background notes below summarise the anatomy, pathology and approach, with published references.
Reference notes
Background
Notes on this case’s cranial location, pathology and surgical approach, with published sources. General education only, not advice for any individual patient.
Pathology
Glioblastoma
Glioblastoma is the most common malignant primary brain tumour. Under the 2021 WHO classification the term is reserved for IDH-wildtype diffuse astrocytic tumours (CNS WHO grade 4); IDH-mutant grade 4 tumours are now called astrocytoma, IDH-mutant, grade 4. Imaging typically shows a rim-enhancing, necrotic mass. Tumour cells extend well beyond the enhancing margin, and the prognosis remains poor despite therapy.
Standard care is maximal safe resection — often with fluorescence guidance and functional mapping — followed by concurrent chemoradiation with temozolomide.
References
- Louis DN, Perry A, Wesseling P, et al. The 2021 WHO Classification of Tumors of the Central Nervous System: a summary. Neuro Oncol. 2021;23(8):1231-1251.
- Stupp R, Mason WP, van den Bent MJ, et al. Radiotherapy plus concomitant and adjuvant temozolomide for glioblastoma. N Engl J Med. 2005;352(10):987-996.