Glioblastoma is the most common and the most aggressive type of brain tumor, accountin for 53% of all primary brain tumor cases. It is highly malignant, but does not usually spread to other parts of the body. Treatment for this is similar to treatment for other cancers, such as chemotherapy, radiation treatment, and surgery, however all of these measures are considered palliative, meaning that they do not provide a cure, just an extension of life by a short while. There is no hope for remission with this disease. It is, essentially, a death sentence.

Glioblastoma is graded from low grade (Grade I) to high grade (Grade IV). If the tumor is a Grade IV, it is known as Glioblastoma Multiforme, or GBM, because it takes on many forms and mutates in such aggressive and varied ways that it is nearly impossible to stop. If the tumor is encapsulated, then doctors may be able to remove the entire tumor, however if some tendrils start to spread into the brain, then it becomes impossible to fully remove. 5 years is the absolute maximum someone with GBM may live, though only 1 of 4 people survive even 2 years after being diagnosed.

There is no certain cause, however much evidence does exist that certain pollutants in the air and water can be contributing factors. A class-action lawsuit took place in Ringwood, IL throughout 2008. Two companies were involved in the case around McCullom Lake in Northwest Illinois where there were 22 cases of brain and nerve cancer found in a very small area. Contamination of the water and air are being considered as possible causes of these cases.

Cases of GBM have doubled over the past decade, which is what makes it especially terrible. Until there can be some known causes, it seems that there will be no cure for GBM. That is why it is so very important to fund research for GBM now more than ever before.