Expert: Claes-Gustaf Nordquist, M.D. - 5/21/2009

Question
QUESTION: My 25 year old nephew was recently diagnosed with Grade IV Astrocytomas Glioblastoma Multiforme, and we've been told that even cyber knife would not help. He had surgury but they could not remove all of the stems, according to the surgey there were three stems that they could not get to, without getting into the nitty gritty.  What would be your opinion about this matter.

ANSWER: Well, grade IV (4) malignant brain tumor cases (brain tumors normally have only grades not stages) all are so far hopeless regardless of treatment. Even WITH seemingly successful therapy including a combination of surgery, radiation therapy and chemotherapy these patients all die of their tumors at present. The only thing their treatments accomplish is to temporarily decrease their symptoms and to extend their survival times. Quite a few of these tumors are also difficult already during surgery. So I'm not surprised. This situation has not changed at all - except with regards to temporary help and longer survival times - since treatment of malignant brain tumors started. I'm sorry I have nothing better to tell you!



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

QUESTION: What should we see in the future as far as Rickey's condition. How will the tumor progress and how will we see affect him.

Answer
Many symptoms depend on the exact location of his tumor. Of that location I know nothing. General symptoms etc. are the following. He will over time become more and more confused, may show stroke like symptoms and even epileptic fits. He will also sleep more and more. When he sleeps all the time his end is near. He will then drift into a coma and then pass away. His estimated survival time will be around one year or somewhat longer but may also be shorter. There will be little pain - if any. I'm sorry I have nothing better to tell you!