Epidemiology of Glioblastoma Multiforme–Literature Review
Szymon Grochans, Anna Maria Cybulska, Donata Simińska, Jan Korbecki, Klaudyna Kojder, Dariusz Chlubek, Irena Baranowska‐Bosiacka
Abstract
Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is one of the most aggressive malignancies, with a median overall survival of approximately 15 months. In this review, we analyze the pathogenesis of GBM, as well as epidemiological data, by age, gender, and tumor location. The data indicate that GBM is the higher-grade primary brain tumor and is significantly more common in men. The risk of being diagnosed with glioma increases with age, and median survival remains low, despite medical advances. In addition, it is difficult to determine clearly how GBM is influenced by stimulants, certain medications (e.g., NSAIDs), cell phone use, and exposure to heavy metals.