Understanding Glioblastoma: A Complex Brain Tumor
Glioblastoma, also known as glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), is one of the most aggressive forms of brain cancer. Arising from the supportive glial cells in the brain, glioblastoma is notorious for its rapid growth, infiltrative nature, and resistance to conventional therapies. While brain tumors are relatively rare compared to other cancers, glioblastoma accounts for a significant proportion of malignant primary brain tumors, making it a critical focus of medical research and patient care.
One of the most challenging aspects of glioblastoma is its heterogeneity. Each tumor can exhibit a diverse mix of cell types, genetic mutations, and molecular profiles, making it difficult to predict behavior or develop uniform treatment approaches. Common genetic alterations observed in glioblastoma include mutations in the TP53 gene, amplification of EGFR, and loss of tumor suppressor genes such as PTEN. These molecular changes drive uncontrolled cell proliferation and contribute to the…