Glioblastoma (DIA Grade 4)

Question 1

what is the incidence of glioblastoma?

Answer 1

most common primary brain tumor; most common at ages 45-70 and the M:F is 1.5:1

Question 2

where are glioblastomas usually located?

Answer 2

unilateral, centered in white matter but can be bilateral and cross the corpus callosum
in children, could be in the brainstem

Question 3

what is the common clinical sign/symptom of glioblastoma?

Answer 3

seizure, personality changes, headache or non-specific neuro

Question 4

how do glioblastomas look on imaging?

Answer 4

irregular shape with ring contrast enhancement (tumor necrosis)

Question 5

how do glioblastomas look grossly?

Answer 5

poorly delineated, gray neoplastic cells, red-green-brown hemorrhage and yellow-white necrotic zones

Question 6

what are the histologic features of glioblastoma?

Answer 6

stellate cells that are pleomorphic with mitotic figures

positive for tumor necrosis and microvascular proliferation

Question 7

what are the genes commonly overexpressed in glioblastoma?

Answer 7

EGFR in primary
p53 in secondary
isocitrate dehydrogenase in both

Question 8

natural history/prognosis of glioblastoma?

Answer 8

most patients will live less than a year