Glioma Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
Glioma, a type of tumour, is one of the most common and aggressive forms of brain cancer. It is marked by abnormal growth of glial cells in the brain. Glioma cancer can affect various parts of the brain, leading to a range of symptoms.
The objective of this blog is to explore the causes, common symptoms, and current treatment options for glioma, shedding light on this challenging condition and offering insights into possible treatment options.
What is glioma and its types?
A glioma is a type of tumour that originates in the glial cells of the brain or spinal cord. Glial cells are the supportive cells that help maintain the function and structure of the nervous system. Gliomas are classified based on the type of glial cell they originate from, and they can vary in their degree of malignancy (how cancerous they are).
There are several types of gliomas, including:
1. Astrocytomas: These arise from astrocytes, a type of glial cell. The most common type of astrocytoma is glioblastoma, which is highly aggressive and malignant.
2. Oligodendrogliomas: These develop from oligodendrocytes, cells that produce the protective covering (myelin) around nerve fibres.
3. Ependymomas: These tumours form from ependymal cells, which line the ventricles of the brain and the spinal cord.
4. Mixed gliomas: These contain a combination of the different types of glial cells.
Gliomas are classified into grades based on how the tumour cells look under a microscope:
Grades | Description |
| Grade I (low grade) | Tumours that grow slowly and are less likely to spread. |
| Grade II (low grade) | Tumours that are still slow-growing but can become more aggressive over time. |
| Grade III (anaplastic) | Malignant tumours that are more aggressive and tend to grow faster. |
| Grade IV (glioblastoma) | Highly malignant and aggressive, these tumours grow rapidly and are difficult to treat. |
What are the Glioma symptoms?
Symptoms of gliomas may include:
- Continuous headaches
- Seizures
- Memory problems and cognitive decline
- Personality or behavioural changes like irritability and mood swings
- Weakness or paralysis on one side of the body
- Visual problems (blurred or double vision, loss of peripheral vision)
- Sensory changes (numbness or tingling)
- Speech or language problems (difficulty speaking or understanding)
- Balance and coordination problems
- Nausea and vomiting (usually worse in the morning)
- Extreme tiredness
- Hydrocephalus (fluid buildup in the brain)
- Incontinence (loss of bladder or bowel control)
What are the causes of glioma?
The causes of glioma are:
Cause | Description |
| 1. Genetic Mutations | Mutations in genes like IDH1 or TP53 can lead to abnormal cell growth and glioma development. |
| 2. Family History | A family history of gliomas or inherited conditions like Neurofibromatosis or Li-Fraumeni syndrome increases risk. |
| 3. Radiation Exposure | Ionising radiation (e.g., radiation therapy to the head) increases the risk of gliomas. |
| 4. Age | The risk of developing gliomas increases with age, especially after 50. |
| 5. Gender | Men have a higher likelihood of developing gliomas, though certain types affect both genders equally. |
| 6. Environmental Factors | Exposure to chemicals such as pesticides or solvents may increase the risk, though the link is unclear. |
| 7. Immune System Factors | Conditions that weaken the immune system, such as autoimmune diseases, may increase risk. |
| 8. Previous Cancers | People with a history of other cancers, particularly brain cancers, may have a higher risk of gliomas. |
What are the treatment options for glioma?
Glioma treatment depends on various factors, such as the tumour's type, grade, location, and the patient's overall health. The common options include:
1. Surgery
Surgeons aim to remove as much of the tumour as possible while preserving brain function. They may use advanced techniques, like awake craniotomy, where the patient is awake during part of the surgery, to monitor brain activity. However, gliomas can infiltrate surrounding healthy tissue, making complete removal difficult.
2. Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapy is used after surgery to target any remaining tumour cells or to shrink the tumour before surgery. External beam radiation uses high-energy beams directed at the tumour, while stereotactic radiosurgery delivers precise radiation to small or hard-to-reach tumours. It’s often used when gliomas can’t be fully removed or if the tumour recurs.
3. Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy uses drugs to kill cancer cells or stop their growth. Drugs like Temozolomide (TMZ) or Carmustine (BCNU) are commonly used after surgery and radiation to target any remaining cancer cells. Chemotherapy is especially important for treating high-grade gliomas like glioblastoma, which are more aggressive.
4. Targeted Therapy
Targeted therapy focuses on specific molecules or mutations that drive tumour growth. For instance, Bevacizumab (Avastin) blocks the formation of blood vessels that supply the tumour, cutting off its oxygen and nutrient supply. This approach is used when gliomas have specific genetic mutations.
5. Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy strengthens the body’s immune response against the tumour. Drugs like nivolumab or pembrolizumab help the immune system recognise and attack tumour cells. This is still being researched but may be an option for recurrent or treatment-resistant gliomas.
Dr Venkatesh Madhugiri, Radiosurgeon and Neuro-oncologist at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, said, “There are several receptor-specific anti-inflammatory agents available today. Another very promising treatment option is the use of immunotherapy, which has demonstrated benefits in other types of cancers. Clinical trials of these agents in glioblastoma are only beginning.”
6. Tumor Treating Fields (TTF)
Tumor-treating fields use electric fields to disrupt tumour cell division. Patients wear a device on their scalp that delivers these fields to target glioblastomas, often alongside chemotherapy.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. what is glioblastoma?
Glioblastoma is an aggressive and fast-growing brain tumour that originates in the glial cells. It is the most common and severe form of glioma, known for its resistance to treatment and rapid progression.
2. What are the main symptoms associated with glioma vs glioblastoma?
Both glioma and glioblastoma can cause symptoms like headaches, seizures, nausea, and changes in vision or speech. However, glioblastoma often leads to more rapid onset of symptoms, including cognitive changes, weakness, and motor impairment, due to its faster growth.
3. What is the survival rate for glioma?
The survival rate for glioma varies depending on its type and grade. Low-grade gliomas may have a survival rate of 5-10 years or more, while high-grade gliomas, such as glioblastoma, typically have a survival rate of 12-18 months. Early detection and treatment can improve outcomes.
4. Can a glioma be cured?
A glioma can sometimes be managed or controlled, but it is rarely completely cured, especially in high-grade forms like glioblastoma. Treatment aims to remove or shrink the tumour and relieve symptoms, but gliomas can often recur due to their aggressive nature. Early detection and ongoing treatment can improve quality of life and survival rates.
5. Are astrocytoma and glioblastoma the same?
Astrocytoma and glioblastoma are related but not the same. Glioblastoma is a more aggressive and advanced form of astrocytoma, typically classified as a grade IV tumour, while astrocytomas can range from low-grade (I or II) to high-grade (III or IV). Glioblastoma is a type of high-grade astrocytoma.
6. What is the life expectancy of a person with a glioma?
The life expectancy of a person with a glioma depends on factors such as the tumour's grade, location, and treatment. On average, survival ranges from a few months to several years.
7. Does glioma mean cancer?
Yes, glioma is a type of brain cancer that originates in the glial cells of the brain or spinal cord.
8. What is the difference between a glioma and a brain tumour?
A glioma is a specific type of brain tumour that originates from glial cells, which support nerve cells. A brain tumour, on the other hand, refers to any abnormal growth in the brain, including various types like gliomas, meningiomas, and others.
Wrapping up
While glioma presents crucial challenges, ongoing advancements in research and treatment offer hope for better management and improved outcomes. Understanding the symptoms, causes, and available treatments can help patients and families to make informed decisions. With continued progress in medical care, there is optimism for more effective therapies and improved quality of life for those affected by glioma, offering a more hopeful glioma prognosis for the future.
References
1. Mesfin FB, Karsonovich T, Al-Dhahir MA. Gliomas. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28722904/
2. Lee JH, Wee CW. Treatment of Adult Gliomas: A Current Update. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9833488/
3. Ohgaki H, Kleihues P. Epidemiology and etiology of gliomas. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15685439/
