What Are the Primary Treatments for Glioblastoma?
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Multiple therapies can be used alone or in combination, depending on the patient’s condition and the specifics of the tumor. A multifaceted approach is crucial in treating brain tumors to ensure comprehensive care.
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Surgery (resection of glioblastoma) is often the first line of attack, aiming to remove as much of the glioblastoma as possible to decrease tumor burden and improve the effectiveness of other treatments.
Advancements in brain tumor surgery techniques, such as minimally invasive methods, allow for the removal of certain tumors without the need for opening the skull.
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Laser ablation (minimally Invasive). For tumors in deep or delicate areas, laser interstitial thermal therapy (LITT) is a safer alternative. Centers offering this technique create a small opening and use laser heat to destroy cancer cells. It’s ideal for patients who are not candidates for open surgery.
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Radiation therapy (Gamma Knife Radiosurgery) offers targeted radiation treatment that focuses high-intensity gamma rays on the tumor with precision, sparing healthy brain tissue.
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Chemotherapy involves the use of drugs to target and kill cancer cells. These drugs can be administered in various forms, including orally, intravenously, or implanted biodegradable wafers. Standard drugs like temozolomide (TMZ) are often combined with other therapies.
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Targeted therapy uses drugs or other substances to identify and attack specific cancer cells without harming normal cells. Drugs like bevacizumab (Avastin) target specific cancer growth factors, slowing tumor progression.
👉Around 41.3% of patients live beyond the first year after diagnosis, and 4.1% reach five years, showing the impact of advances in treatment.
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Immunotherapy employs the body’s immune system to fight the tumor, enhancing its ability to detect and destroy cancer cells.
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Tumor treating fields (TTFields) use electric fields tuned to specific frequencies to disrupt cancer cell division in glioblastoma.
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Brachytherapy. Internal radiation therapy is where radioactive materials are placed directly in or near the tumor.
✅The treatment plan often involves a multidisciplinary approach, which includes a team of specialists from various fields.
👉The best-known treatment approach since 2005 combines surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy with temozolomide (TMZ).
The plan starts with an accurate diagnosis through imaging tests like MRI, functional MRI, or genetic testing.
Why Choose Glioblastoma Treatment Abroad?
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1. Access to top specialists.
Leading glioblastoma treatment centers abroad offer experienced neurosurgeons and specialists using advanced therapies like Gamma Knife radiosurgery, TTFields, and targeted therapy.
2. Lower treatment costs. Patients save 40-70% on the overall glioblastoma treatment cost compared to the U.S. or UK
3. Personalized care and clinical trials. Top centers provide personalized treatment plans using genetic testing and offer access to clinical trials, improving chances of a better glioblastoma survival rate.
All-inclusive medical packages help reduce expenses by up to 70%, covering surgery, hospitalization, and post-care.
4. International patient support. Facilities in Poland and Thailand provide complete support, including travel assistance, language services, and rehabilitation programs.
💡Bookimed connects patients to verified glioblastoma hospitals, combining affordability with world-class care.
What Happens After Glioblastoma Treatment?
1. Monitoring for recurrence. Regular scans, such as functional MRIs and PET scans, help detect any signs of tumor regrowth, ensuring early intervention.
Science is progressing in finding better treatments to help patients manage this challenging condition.
Ongoing support and monitoring are crucial for brain cancers, including glioma and glioblastoma, to address both physical and emotional challenges faced by survivors.
👉The NovoTTF device (Optune), approved by the FDA in 2011, has shown promise for patients with recurrent glioblastoma. A study found that patients using NovoTTF lived for a median of 20 months after the tumor returned. On average, patients experienced no disease progression for about 4.2 months, with 43% remaining progression-free after 6 months.
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2. Rehabilitation services. Tailored programs include:
3. Emotional and mental support. Holistic care provides counseling, support groups, and nutritional advice.
💡 Bookimed’s verified centers provide comprehensive post-treatment care, focusing on physical, emotional, and mental recovery.
What Is The Glioblastoma Treatment Cost Abroad?
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The glioblastoma treatment cost in countries like Turkey, Poland, and Mexico is up to 70-80% lower than in the United States or the United Kingdom.
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For example, chemotherapy in the U.S. costs $20,000 to $40,000, while in Turkey, it costs $7,000 to $11,000, saving patients up to $29,000.
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Radiation therapy, priced at $22,000 to $32,000 in the U.S., costs just $5,000 to $9,500 in Poland, offering savings of up to $27,000.
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Glioblastoma surgery can cost $35,000 to $55,000 in the U.S. but only $9,000 to $18,000 in Turkey, saving up to $37,000.
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Advanced immunotherapy, which reaches $625,000 in the U.S., is available for as low as $100,000 in Turkey.
| Cancer Treatment |
Bulgaria |
Germany |
Israel |
Italy |
Mexico |
Poland |
Republic of Korea |
Spain |
Thailand |
Turkey |
United Kingdom |
States of America |
| Chemotherapy |
$5,000-$10,000 |
$8,000 - $18,000 |
$9,000 - $22,000 |
$8,000 - $20,000 |
$9,000 - $12,000 |
$6,000-$13,000 |
$8,000 - $20,000 |
$8,000 - $20,000 |
$6,000-$13,000 |
$7,000 - $11,000 |
$9,000 - $22,000 |
$20,000 - $40,000 |
| Radiation therapy |
$4,000-$9,000 |
$6,000 - $14,000 |
$8,000 - $18,000 |
$7,000 - $16,000 |
$7,000 - $10,000 |
$5,000-$11,000 |
$7,000 - $16,000 |
$7,000 - $16,000 |
$5,000-$11,000 |
$7,500 - $9,500 |
$8,000 - $18,000 |
$22,000 - $32,000 |
| Cancer surgery |
$6,000-$15,000 |
$12,000 - $30,000 |
$14,000 - $35,000 |
$13,000 - $32,000 |
$12,000 - $22,000 |
$7,000-$22,000 |
$13,000 - $32,000 |
$13,000 - $32,000 |
$7,000-$18,000 |
$9,000 - $18,000 |
$14,000 - $35,000 |
$35,000 - $55,000 |
| Advanced immunotherapy |
$80,000-$220,000 |
$130,000-$350,000 |
$150,000 - $450,000 |
$120,000 - $320,000 |
$100,000 - $180,000 |
$90,000-$270,000 |
$140,000 - $400,000 |
$130,000 - $350,000 |
$70,000-$180,000 |
$100,000 - $220,000 |
$130,000 - $350,000 |
$475,000 - $625,000 |
| Overall cancer treatment costs (monthly median per patient) |
$3,000-$7,000 |
$7,000-$11,000 |
$7,000 - $11,000 |
$6,000 - $9,000 |
$6,000 - $9,000 |
$4,000-$9,000 |
$6,000 - $11,000 |
$6,000 - $11,000 |
$3,500-$7,000 |
$6,000 - $9,000 |
$7,000 - $11,000 |
$12,000 - $22,00 |
*The glioblastoma treatment cost estimates provided are based on Bookimed’s research, global statistics, and current medical data. These costs are approximate and may vary depending on factors such as individual treatment plans, the chosen medical facility, and changes in healthcare pricing over time.
What Determines the Cost of Glioblastoma Treatment?
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Several key factors can influence the cost of treating glioblastoma:
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Treatment duration and frequency. Longer or more frequent treatment sessions increase overall costs. Costs rise with longer treatments, such as chemotherapy lasting 6-12 months, radiation therapy requiring 20-30 sessions, or daily TTFields usage over several months.
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Geographic location. Costs differ by country and region, influenced by economic factors and healthcare standards.
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Healthcare facility. Treatment at specialized centers can cost 20-50% more than general hospitals due to access to advanced equipment, experienced specialists, and comprehensive care programs.
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Specialized care is crucial for brain tumor patients, ensuring they receive the best possible treatment and support.
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Insurance coverage. Varies widely; less coverage means higher out-of-pocket costs, especially for experimental treatments.
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Additional healthcare needs. Costs may include rehabilitation, specialized nursing, or long-term medication management.
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Type of treatment. Accurate brain tumor diagnosis plays a vital role in determining the appropriate treatment plan and associated costs.
| Treatment type |
Cost influencers |
| Surgery |
Complexity of the operation, use of high-tech equipment, and surgeon expertise can significantly affect costs. |
| Radiation therapy |
Advanced techniques like Gamma Knife are costlier due to their precision and the technology used. |
| Chemotherapy |
The specific drugs used, their dosages, and the length of treatment contribute to cost variations. |
| Targeted therapy |
Costs are higher due to the specialized nature of drugs and the need for ongoing monitoring. |
| Immunotherapy |
Similar to targeted therapy, the use of cutting-edge immune-enhancing drugs elevates costs. |
| Tumor reating fields (TTFields) |
Continuous use of wearable devices that disrupt tumor cell division leads to ongoing expenses. |
How Can Financial Aid Reduce Glioblastoma Treatment Cost Internationally?
| Aspect |
Impact on cost |
| Insurance coverage |
Comprehensive plans may cover 50-90% of standard treatments like surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation. However, international therapies may not always be included, so verifying coverage is essential. |
| Limited or no coverage for abroad |
Many standard health insurance plans exclude international treatments, leaving patients to pay full out-of-pocket costs unless supplemental insurance for medical tourism is secured. |
| Out-of-network providers |
Seeking treatment at a foreign glioblastoma hospital outside of an insurer's network can increase costs by 20-40%. |
| Co-pays and deductibles |
Even with international coverage, co-pays and deductibles for medical tourism can contribute $5,000-$20,000 or more, depending on the policy. |
| Supplemental or Travel Insurance |
Some insurance providers offer medical tourism-specific policies covering treatment abroad, complications, or medical travel-related expenses, reducing overall financial burden. |
| Financial Assistance Programs |
Top glioblastoma centers abroad often collaborate with organizations like CareCredit to provide payment plans, upfront discounts, or loan options for international patients. |
| Government or Nonprofit Aid |
In certain cases, countries offering affordable medical tourism may provide subsidies or programs that lower costs by up to 50% for international patients seeking cancer care. |
💡Even without insurance, patients booking treatment abroad through Bookimed may find the overall cost significantly lower—by up to 70%—compared to treatment in their home countries, thanks to the affordability of top-tier medical centers in destinations like Turkey, Mexico, and Eastern Europe.
Why Is Glioblastoma Treatment Cheaper Abroad?
Several factors explain why international glioblastoma treatment centers offer care at lower costs without compromising quality:
1. Lower labor costs. In Turkey and Thailand, healthcare professionals earn up to 70% less than those in the U.S. This directly lowers the cost of key treatments, including surgery at a GBM hospital and other procedures.
2. Reduced operational expenses. Countries like Mexico have a 50% lower cost of living than the U.S., reducing operational costs at the best glioblastoma treatment centers.
3. Government subsidies. Countries like Turkey offer government support that lowers glioblastoma treatment cost by 20-30%. At the same time, ensuring patients receive care at glioblastoma best hospitals.
4. Lower insurance and litigation costs. In regions like Poland and the Czech Republic, lower malpractice insurance premiums—50-70% less than U.S. rates—reduce overall costs.
5. With high patient volumes and specialization, top glioblastoma treatment centers abroad often treat thousands of patients, improving efficiency and reducing costs through economies of scale.
6. Medical tourism investments. Countries focusing on medical tourism, such as Spain, Mexico, and Thailand, have invested in state-of-the-art technology and partnerships with international programs. These glioblastoma treatment centers offer personalized care plans at 70% lower prices than in the U.S. or Western Europe.
✅Cost-effective packages provide comprehensive care, including surgery, hospital stay, and follow-up, reducing overall expenses by up to 50-70%.
How to Choose the Right Treatment Center for Brain Tumor Treatment?
1. Specialization in brain tumors. Select centers with dedicated neuro-oncology programs, such as those focusing on primary brain tumors, glioblastoma tumors, and complex cases involving skull base or spine tumors.
2. Experienced medical teams. Look for neuro-oncologists and surgeons trained at institutions like Heidelberg University (Germany), Erasmus Medical Center (Netherlands), or Mayo Clinic and Cleveland Clinic (U.S.). Many specialists actively participate in global events like the World Federation of Neuro-Oncology (WFNO) and the European Association of Neuro-Oncology (EANO), ensuring they apply the latest advancements in glioblastoma care.
3. Advanced treatment options. Top centers offer precision treatments like Gamma Knife radiosurgery, tumor treating fields (Optune device), and proton therapy. Targeted therapies are also available, focusing on specific genetic mutations in glioblastoma tumors, helping to reduce damage to healthy brain tissue.
👉A recent study showed that older glioblastoma patients may benefit from short-course proton beam therapy with advanced imaging. After 12 months, 56% of participants were alive, with a median survival of 13.1 months, and some patients with favorable tumor genetics survived longer, with a median of 22 months.
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4. Access to clinical trials.
Leading institutions, including those listed in the NIH Clinical Trials Database, provide access to experimental therapies like new targeted drugs and immunotherapy trials.
5. State-of-the-art technology. Choose centers equipped with modern surgical tools like intraoperative MRI, functional MRI, and awake craniotomy, which help improve the precision and effectiveness of tumor resection.
💡 Centers equipped with intraoperative MRI allow real-time imaging during surgery, improving precision and outcomes.
6. International accreditation. Centers accredited by organizations like Joint Commission International (JCI) meet global standards for patient safety and high-quality care.
7. Patient support services. Top facilities in countries like Turkey, Poland, and Mexico provide full support for international patients, including travel assistance, language support, financial counseling, and personalized treatment coordination.
💡 Bookimed cooperates only with verified clinics, ensuring patients receive trusted care from internationally recognized providers. Reading patient reviews on Bookimed helps assess care quality, satisfaction, and results at different centers.
What Are The Best Best Hospital to Treat Glioblastoma?
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💚 Bookimed evaluates glioblastoma treatment centers based on clear criteria, including patient reviews, survival rates, neurosurgeon expertise, and the availability of advanced technologies like tumor treating fields and intraoperative MRI. This transparent Clinic Ranking Policy ensures that patients can make confident and well-informed decisions when looking for the best hospital for glioblastoma treatment.
Best glioblastoma treatment centers according to Bookimed:
Can You Survive Stage 4 Glioblastoma?
Stage 4 glioblastoma, or glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), is highly aggressive, with an average survival of 12-18 months after diagnosis. Factors that influence survival include:
- the patient's age;
- tumor location;
- and the use of advanced treatments.
💡Participation in clinical trials offers additional hope by providing access to experimental therapies, including targeted drugs and immunotherapy.
While long-term survival is rare, some patients achieve extended glioblastoma remission rate through innovative and personalized treatments.
Is Glioblastoma a Solid Tumor?
Yes, glioblastoma is a solid tumor originating from the glial cells of the brain. It forms dense, abnormal masses within the central nervous system and often infiltrates surrounding healthy brain tissue.
Unlike benign tumors, it grows and spreads rapidly. As a solid tumor, treatment often involves a combination of resection surgery to remove as much of the tumor as possible, followed by radiation therapy, targeted therapy, and chemotherapy to control remaining cancer cells.
What Support is Available for Brain Tumor Patients?
1. Medical support. Neuro-oncology centers offer personalized care, advanced imaging, specialized teams, and access to clinical trials with experimental therapies.
2. Rehabilitation services. Programs to improve mental function, speech, and mobility after surgery or radiation therapy.
3. Emotional and psychological support. Access to support groups and counseling to help patients and families manage emotional challenges. Palliative or hospice care, if needed, to ensure comfort and symptom management in advanced stages.
4. Financial assistance. Top centers offer payment plans, discounts, and access to charity support programs like the Brain Tumour Charity, American Brain Tumor Association (ABTA), and CancerCare. These organizations provide financial aid, travel grants, and other resources to help patients manage treatment-related expenses.
💡 Bookimed's medical coordinators help connect patients with trusted glioblastoma treatment centers and financial planning options worldwide.
References
- Breakthrough in treatment approach showing promise in the fight against glioblastoma - Mayo Clinic Comprehensive Cancer Center Blog. Mayo Clinic Comprehensive Cancer Center Blog. URL: https://cancerblog.mayoclinic.org/2025/01/16/breakthrough-in-treatment-approach-showing-promise-in-the-fight-against-glioblastoma/ (date of access: 11.02.2025).
- Glioblastoma Treatment: State-of-the-Art and Future Perspectives / A. Rodríguez-Camacho et al. International Journal of Molecular Sciences. 2022. Vol. 23, no. 13. P. 7207. URL: https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms23137207 (date of access: 11.02.2025).
- Rehabilitation in People Living with Glioblastoma: A Narrative Review of the Literature / A. Zanotto et al. Cancers. 2024. Vol. 16, no. 9. P. 1699. URL: https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers16091699 (date of access: 11.02.2025).
- Treatment approach and survival from glioblastoma: results from a population-based retrospective cohort study from Western Norway / L. S. Bjorland et al. BMJ Open. 2021. Vol. 11, no. 3. P. e043208. URL: https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2020-043208 (date of access: 11.02.2025).
- Trial Results - Glioblastoma - Recurrent. Brain Tumor Treatments and Information. URL: https://virtualtrials.org/Trial_Results_-_Glioblastoma_-_Recurrent_treatments.cfm (date of access: 11.02.2025).