Glioblastoma Multiforme

This book provides basic researchers and clinicians with a contemporary review of personalized medicine for the diagnosis and treatment of Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM), the most common and most aggressive type of brain tumor. Over the past decade, there has been an explosion of basic and clinical research revolving around GBM, resulting in improved outcomes and, most importantly, significant advances in our ability to better understand this disease to formulate personalized medical treatment for each patient. It is important to note that the word multiforme means 'of many forms or appearances', implying that 'one treatment will not fit all'. Data from a variety of sources show that medical decisions and interventions must be tailored to the individual patient to obtain the greatest outcome. In this book, the diagnostic techniques and treatment options for patients with GBM are reviewed in state-of-the-art chapters written by expert researchers and clinicians in the field focusing on molecular genetic classification, surgical management, chemotherapy, radiation, nutrition, immune-therapy, and more. Many new therapeutic options are described and reviewed, confirming that not only does each patient needs to have personalized treatment, but also that a single treatment alone will not be sufficient; multiple mechanisms are involved and tumor biology changes over time. Hopefully, this book will educate and stimulate readers' knowledge and lead to new avenues of investigation and therapeutic success.