Glioblastoma Multiforme: Understanding the Challenges of the Most Aggressive Brain Cancer
Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is recognized as the most aggressive and lethal brain tumor in adults, posing significant challenges to patient survival. Despite multimodal treatment approaches, including the use of temozolomide and radiotherapy, the median survival for patients diagnosed with glioblastoma remains approximately 12-15 months. GBM is a grade 4 astrocytoma, the highest grade and most malignant type of primary brain tumor. It represents about half of all primary central nervous system malignancies, with an annual incidence of approximately 3 cases per 100,000 people in the United States. The tumor is characterized by rapid growth and extensive infiltration into surrounding brain tissue, making complete surgical removal impossible. GBM's cellular heterogeneity and the presence of glioma stem cells contribute to its resistance to conventional therapies. 
