Stereotactic Radiosurgery Institute
Brain Tumor Treatment: Glioblastoma Multiforme with Radiosurgery
This patient had a glioblastoma (circled in red) removed with surgery (craniotomy). Radiation and chemotherapy were used to treat any remaining tumor. The tumor then started growing rapidly. A second craniotomy allowed removal of only a small part of the tumor.
Image 1 and 1a - The remaining tumor after the second craniotomy during radiosurgery.
Image 2 and 2a - Four months after radiosurgery, the tumor (which had been growing rapidly) decreased in size significantly.
Currently, we do not have a cure for high grade astrocytomas or high grade gliomas. Removal of as much of the tumor followed by radiation and chemotherapy is the most accepted treatment. Radiosurgery has been found to help control these tumors further, either as part of the initial treatment or when the tumor grows again. Experience has shown that the radiosurgery may be helpful for recurrent tumor growth even multiple times.
This case is presented as an example only of what has been achieved with radiosurgery by Dr. Helenowski. Each case is different and there are no guarantees that patients with similar appearing tumors will have exactly the same response even if treated the same.