Glioblastoma multiforme: evidence-based approach to therapy

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most aggressive of the infiltrating gliomas. Standards of care for treatment continue to evolve. In many westernized countries standard treatment of GBM at diagnosis includes surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy. In other parts of the world, chemotherapy that is considered beneficial by many is excluded from standard therapy, in large part due to issues of cost; treatment may be completely palliative, even limited to corticosteroid treatment alone. This review will focus on the current standard of care in the USA for newly diagnosed GBM, focusing on the evidence supporting that care.