Expert: Claes-Gustaf Nordquist, M.D. - 5/12/2010

Question
My mom who is 66 was diagonised with Gliosarcoma not the glioblastoma.  I have been trying to find out some information on this and can not seem to get any.  She had the tumor removed 6 days ago and we are just now getting results the tumore was incased so the doctor said that was a good thing but I need all the information I can get.  Is this treatable?  What are the treatments?  Anything anyone can give me will help.  My mom is doing good still a little confused but doing good..She does not know this yet.  thank you

Answer
Gliosarcoma can be regarded as a subgroup of glioblastoma multiforme. The tumor tissue of these tumors have both a glioblastoma component and a sarcoma component. Unfortunately it has about the same very bad prognosis as a glioblastoma tumor with the added risk that contrary to most other malignant brain tumors it can also spread to sites outside the central nervous system like to the lungs. It is unfortunately most doubtful if this so called capsule gives any added benefits. Treatment is about the same as for glioblastoma multiforme (surgery, radiation therapy and chemotherapy) and the results are unfortunately also about the same so not good. The usual survival time even with full treatment is around one year. It is a rare tumor. I'm sorry I have nothing better to tell you!



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