Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most common and aggressive type of primary brain tumor in adults. It accounts for approximately 15% of all brain tumors and 50% of all gliomas. GBM is more prevalent in older individuals, with the average age of diagnosis being around 64 years.
The annual incidence of GBM varies across different populations, but it is estimated to be around 2 to 3 cases per 100,000 people. This means that in a population of 1 million, there would be approximately 20 to 30 new cases of GBM each year.
Despite advancements in treatment, the prognosis for GBM remains poor. The 5-year survival rate is less than 10%, and the median survival is typically around 12 to 15 months. GBM is characterized by its infiltrative nature, making complete surgical removal challenging, and its resistance to conventional therapies.
Given the high prevalence and devastating prognosis of GBM, ongoing research efforts are focused on developing innovative treatment strategies to improve patient outcomes and quality of life.