Expert: Claes-Gustaf Nordquist, M.D. - 9/2/2011

Question
My sister had surgery to remove parts of glioblastoma tumor in her brain, but fingers stretch across her brain. In talking to my sister's oncologist and radiologist, they are suggesting radiatioln and chemo.  When asked what is the life expectancy with going through the treatment, it isn't any different than if she does not get treatment (3-6 months).  In asking a follow up question of why would anyone get treatment if it didn't change the life expectancy, the answer was, she could die at any moment if she didn't get the chemo.  I am confused.  Does radiaton and chemo generally extend life, and if yes, how long?  My sister was also dealing with Heart failure prior to this so isn't it a possiblity that the radiation/chemo will take out her heart?
Thanks.  Any input is appreciated

Answer
Yes her tumor will most probably (= almost certainly) kill her (how fast depends on its grade which you have not mentioned) unfortunately. BUT the suggested treatment will probably prolong her survival, probably with at least a number of months and may decrease her symptoms. So it does affect her life expectancy (how long she will survive) but it can not cure her. How long her life prolongation will be is impossible to tell since without knowing her tumor grade I can not even evaluate her untreated survival time. No her radiation will NOT influence her heart condition and the risk that the chemotherapy will do that is not big. If she was my sister I would recommend that treatment!



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