International Variations in Glioblastoma Management: A Comprehensive Review
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By
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Reuben Christopher
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Livia Stauner
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Mathias Spendel
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Arwin Rezai
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Alexander Romagna
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Christoph Schwartz
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March 27, 2026
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Clinical Scorecard: International Variations in Glioblastoma Management: A Comprehensive Review
At a Glance
| Category | Detail |
|---|
| Condition | Glioblastoma (GBM) |
| Key Mechanisms | Maximal safe surgical resection, radiotherapy, and concurrent/adjuvant temozolomide chemotherapy. |
| Target Population | Adult patients diagnosed with glioblastoma. |
| Care Setting | Multidisciplinary treatment involving neurosurgeons, neurooncologists, psycho-oncologists, and radiation oncologists. |
Key Highlights
- GBM is the most common and aggressive primary brain tumor in adults.
- Median overall survival remains 15–17 months post-diagnosis.
- Stupp protocol is the gold standard for GBM treatment.
- Over 50% of patients experience tumor recurrence within seven months of treatment.
- Cost-effectiveness of GBM interventions varies globally.
Guideline-Based Recommendations
Diagnosis
- Utilize neuropathological diagnoses through molecular testing.
Management
- Implement the Stupp protocol consisting of surgical resection, radiotherapy, and temozolomide chemotherapy.
Monitoring & Follow-up
- Assess tumor recurrence and overall survival regularly.
Risks
- High financial burden and resource intensity associated with GBM treatment.
Patient & Prescribing Data
Adults diagnosed with glioblastoma since 2005.
Modern management includes the use of 5-ALA and tumor treating fields (TTF) to improve survival.
Clinical Best Practices
- Adopt a multidisciplinary approach for GBM management.
- Standardize cost evaluations to ensure comparability across studies.
- Utilize economic models to assess cost-effectiveness of interventions.
References
