High-Grade Gliomas

Glioblastoma is the most common primary malignant brain tumor. This chapter discusses the clinical presentation and initial workup for a patient with a suspected glioblastoma, as well as the optimal treatment strategy and prognosis. Diagnosis is typically made using magnetic resonance imaging. Optimal treatment involves maximal safe surgical resection followed by adjuvant chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Surgical adjuncts including intraoperative imaging modalities and brain mapping techniques help improve neurologic morbidity associated with surgery. Despite maximal treatment, virtually all patients with glioblastoma will experience recurrence of their tumor and may be considered for clinical trials or second-line therapy. This chapter highlights important pearls associated with management of patients with glioblastoma and written for those who are interested in neuro-oncology, neurosurgery, and the field of brain tumors.