COMPASSIONATE ALLOWANCE INFORMATION

GLIOBLASTOMA MULTIFORME (ADULT BRAIN CANCER)

DESCRIPTION

Glioblastoma Multiforme is a fast-growing type of central nervous system cancer that forms from glial (supportive) tissue of the brain and spinal cord and has cells that look very different from normal cells. Glioblastoma multiforme or grade IV astrocytoma is the most malignant of the primary brain cancers. GBM is composed of glial (supportive) brain cells that, having lost their control mechanisms, grow, divide and spread aggressively throughout the brain tissue. In consequence, these cancers are difficult to treat and often recur after initial therapy. Glioblastoma multiforme most often occurs in adults between the ages of 45 and 70 years and affects the brain more often than the spinal cord. The symptoms of glioblastoma multiforme may include: frequent headaches, vomiting, loss of appetite, changes in mood and personality, changes in ability to think and learn and seizures.

ALTERNATE NAMES

Grades III and IV Astrocytoma; Malignant Glioma; Anaplastic Glioma; Brain Cancer; Adult Brain Tumor; GBM

DIAGNOSTIC TESTING, PHYSICAL FINDINGS, AND ICD-9–CM CODING

Diagnosis is based on patient history, neurological examination and diagnostic procedures. The only definitive test that can provide a diagnosis of glioblastoma multiforme is a biopsy of the cancer.

Testing to confirm diagnosis of glioblastoma multiforme includes neuroimaging (CT and MRI) to provide information about the location, size and shape of the cancer.

TREATMENT

Treatment of glioblastoma multiforme may include the following: surgery, radiation and/or chemotherapy.

PROGRESSION

Glioblastoma multiforme is highly aggressive, infiltrating, and responds poorly to all currently available treatments. The prognosis is grim as most patients die within 2 years and few survive longer than three years.

SUGGESTED PROGRAMMATIC ASSESSMENT*

Suggested Listings for Evaluation: Pathology report of the cancer biopsy or surgical specimen is the critical information necessary for disability evaluation.

Suggested Listings for Evaluation:

DETERMINATION

LISTING

REMARKS

Meets Listing

13.13 A 1
113.13A

Medical Equals

* Adjudicators may, at their discretion, use the Medical Evidence of Record or Listings suggested to evaluate the claim. However, the decision to allow or deny the claim rests with the adjudicator.

Last Updated: 9/30/08

Office of Disability Programs