Glioblastoma, also known as glioblastoma multiforme, is a common, aggressive, and fast-growing brain tumor that begins in the cells called astrocytes that support nerve function. Tumor occurs when these cells begin to grow out of control abnormally, and they can invade nearby brain tissues. A few decades back, people with glioblastoma tended to live a few months or weeks after diagnosis. With advancements in the medical field, physicians are now trying to prolong the life of patients with glioblastoma.
This cancer can occur in people of any age but is most commonly seen in adults aged 45 to 70. More than women, men are at slightly increased risk. Research has found some factors that increase the risk of developing glioblastoma. Those risk factors include exposure to chemicals – synthetic rubber, petroleum, pesticides, & vinyl chloride, having genetic conditions such as Li-Fraumeni syndrome, neurofibromatosis, and previous radiation therapy to the head.
Since the growing tumor places pressure on the brain, patients experience symptoms quickly. The symptoms include loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, seizures, speech problems, memory problems, double or blurred vision, headaches, personality changes, muscle weakness, numbness, or tingling sensation. If your physician suspects a brain tumor, he/ she might perform a neurological exam, imaging tests (MRI, PET, & CT), and biopsy to diagnose the glioblastoma.
In a neurological exam, the physician will ask about the symptoms and signs and examine the vision, reflexes, balance, and coordination. Imaging tests will provide information about the size and location of the tumors. In a biopsy, the cancer cells will be collected and examined in the laboratory. It will help the health care provider plan treatment and understand the prognosis. Unfortunately, the cure is not possible with glioblastoma as it is an aggressive cancer, and about 7 percent of people diagnosed with glioblastoma can live for 5 years. Treatment available can help minimize the symptoms and improve the quality of life.
Surgery to remove the tumor as much as possible is the first treatment in glioblastoma, and other treatments may be given to remove the remaining cancer cells. The other treatments include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, tumor treating fields (TTF) therapy, and targeted therapy. When surgery is not possible due to tumor location or general health, chemotherapy and radiotherapy may be given to control the disease.
Temozolomide is a chemotherapy medication used in the treatment of certain forms of brain tumors such as glioblastoma multiforme or anaplastic astrocytoma. After administration, temozolomide gets converted to its active form called metabolite 5-(3-methyltriazen-1-yl) imidazole-4-carboxamide (MTIC). This substance reacts with water to produce methyl diazonium ions, from which methyl groups transfer into the DNA, break the DNA, and stop the cell growth.
Temodal 100mg Capsule is one of the products containing the active substance temozolomide. If you have glioblastoma, your health care professional may prescribe Temodal 100mg Capsule.