Expert: Claes-Gustaf Nordquist, M.D. - 11/15/2008

Question
My very close friend has been diagnosed with glioblastoma multiform grade IV astrocytoma. She had a golf ball-sized tumor removed from her brain 3 weeks ago, located behind her right ear. The surgeons believe they removed the entire tumor (aside from the microscopic "fingers" of the tumor). She was told that most people diagnosed with this type of tumor are much older, and their prognosis is about 1 year. Since she is only 24 years old, her prognosis is possibly 2 years. Doctors have instructed her to return to normal daily activity, including her job. She will be starting radiation next week (x 3 weeks), and will also be given a pill-form of chemo (x 6 months). I have another friend going through chemo currently (will be starting radiation in Jan.), diagnosed with breast cancer; her doctors have her doing chemo x 1-1.5 years, and radiation x 3-6 months. I was wondering why my friend with the brain tumor would go through such a shorter treatment. Is it going to be enough to keep the tumor from reforming? Do the doctors think she doesn't have a chance to live much longer than 2 years, and therefore don't think it's worth doing a longer course of chemo and/or radiation? Should she be able to care for her 2 year old son in the meantime?

Answer
I'm sorry to read about your friend's situation! ALL GBM grade IV tumors are fatal regardless of therapy! All what therapy can do at present is to prolong survival and temporarily relieve symptoms. That is unfortunately all. There is no use to provide harsher treatment. It will not improve her chances only increase not very nice side effects. I'm sorry I have nothing better to tell you! She will be able to at least part of the time but not all of it.