Expert: Claes-Gustaf Nordquist, M.D. - 12/14/2009

Question
QUESTION: my brother has been diagnosed with  gliomablastoma 4.he has had radio ther/chemo. now on a 2nd chemo for 6mths.is there any prognosis?i know its not good, but have you any idea of the prognosis  long term or is it a quick cancer,he is 58yrs old. he also has a recent DVT which he is taking warfrin.   thank you for any help

ANSWER: Unfortunately his prognosis is hopeless even with treatment. Estimated survival time is one to two years. I'm sorry I have nothing better to tell you!

I have some computer problems so unfortunately my reply is delayed.

You can also reach me on: http://www.lifestylerescue.com/expert/health-fitness-advice/dr-claes-gustaf/128


---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: my brother is taking a steriod tablet.i understand that this is to reduce the pressure from the tumor.he gets the occasional headache when the tablet is wearing off. he doesnt get a mri until he finishes the chemo---march time.IF he wasnt taking steriod  would it just grow and be very painful as it was before his op. they removed 2/3 of it at his op .also, what can we expect them to do IF the treatment doesnt shrink it.................can he have chemo for ever????  i know i`m asking awkward questions as its all in the hands of the chemo as yet, but at what stage is it thought......no more treatment. this is after all palative treatment  ISNT IT ???

ANSWER: Please see my previous reply!


I have some computer problems so unfortunately my reply is delayed.

You can also reach me on: http://www.lifestylerescue.com/expert/health-fitness-advice/dr-claes-gustaf/128


---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION:   i am sorry to be a nuisance but i asked about my brother and his taking of steriods  and whether this was just palative. do the steriods take of the pain from the radiation /or the tumor.?  i did see your answer but some how lost it and am not savvy enough on the comp, to find it again.......so do bear with me  thank you so very much. your answers are so easy to understand, and i thank you for that   erica  dowey.

Answer
This is what I wrote:    The main reason for the steroids is to reduce his radiation induced brain swelling. That treatment is very important. No more surgery is possible and his chemotherapy will not cure him and can not go on forever since even with treatment his estimated survival time is as I told you. Yes the treatment is palliative but it reduces his symptoms and extends his survival time.

So it is not just a pain killer but reduces the swelling caused by radiation (like when your skin gets inflamed, burned & swelled due to a sun burn - also such skin damage benefits from corticosteroids in a cream) so it is a real treatment for the side effects of the treatment and therefore very important.


I have some computer problems so unfortunately my reply is delayed.

You can also reach me on: http://www.lifestylerescue.com/expert/health-fitness-advice/dr-claes-gustaf/128