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Brain Tumors/gbm grade 4

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Expert: - 10/15/2008


Question
my father has confirmed gbm grade 4, by md anderson, has under gone
surgery and about 95% of tumor removed.  His first symptom was not
headaches or siezures,  but trouble speaking.  His surgery left his speech
worse of course and certain things he cannot understand and right sided
weakness. his tumor was 4 to 5 cm in left parietal lobe. I was wondering if
chemo and radiation will make his life {what he  has left} horrible or could he
benefit eventually from the tx?  We want the rest of his life to the greatest and
dont want him to suffer until he has to.  Also, is gene testing of the tumor
useful is choosing a treatment program that will increase his longevity?

we

Answer
Radiation therapy and chemo therapy will prolong his survival time but no cure is at present possible unfortunately. The side effects are USUALLY (but not always) not too severe. If I were in his shoes I would probably accept it but the choice must be his. Except for scientific reasons I see no reason for any gene tests!

Brain Tumors

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Claes-Gustaf Nordquist, M.D.

Expertise

I`m a doctor of medicine and specialist in radiation therapy and medical oncology. I have a long time experience of these tumours.

Experience

I'm a Doctor of Medicine and specialist in Medical Oncology and Radiation Therapy, educated and trained in Sweden. Now retired. Background in Radiation Therapy, Medical Oncology, Radiation Protection, Nuclear Medicine, Diagnostic Radiology, Gynecological Oncology, Clinical Pathology, Clinical Cytology,Hematology and Internal Medicine. M.D. from the faculty of medicine, Royal Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden. Have also been an exchange student at the Hebrew University, Hadassah Medical School, Jerusalem Israel. Former medical consultant, Swedish National Board of Radiation Protection. Former Police Surgeon and Medical Examiner, Stockholm Police Department. Former Chief Medical Officer, The Royal Guards, The Royal Horse Guards and the Royal Household Brigade, Royal Swedish Army Medical Corps. You can also reach me on: http://www.lifestylerescue.com/expert/health-fitness-advice/dr-claes-gustaf/128 . I have no restrictions on the number of questions there. I also answer questions about Oncology (General Cancer), General History, Military History, Breast Cancer, Colon Cancer.

Education/Credentials
Doctor of medicine, specialist in medical oncology & radiation therapy.

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