Glioblastoma and a recurrence. What should I do
Ask Navis about your situation
This answer is general. Get one about your specific case. No signup, answered right here.
For informational purposes only
This answer was generated by AI grounded in NCCN guidelines and published medical literature. It is not medical advice. Always consult your oncologist or care team before making treatment decisions.
Sources & medical oversight
- Developed under the medical oversight of OpenCancer’s physician-scientist team (Chris Apfel, MD/PhD/MBA, CMO · Kaumudi Bhawe, PhD, CSO).
- Last updated July 9, 2026. Informational only — not a substitute for your oncology team.
I'm sorry you're facing a recurrence. This is a serious situation that requires personalized medical guidance from your oncology team.
What I can tell you about recurrent glioblastoma:
According to the Musella Foundation's Brain Tumor Guide, recurrent glioblastoma typically involves re-evaluation of your tumor's characteristics and consideration of several approaches:
- Surgery may be considered if the tumor is resectable (can be safely removed)
- GammaTiles (biodegradable wafers that release radiation) are FDA-approved for recurrent GBM and showed median survival of 18 months in published data—compared to the typical 5-7 months expected for recurrent disease
- Genomic testing of the recurrent tumor to identify any new mutations that might respond to targeted therapies
- Immunotherapy options like checkpoint inhibitors (Keytruda) or other immunotherapies
- Chemotherapy (temozolomide) if your tumor is MGMT methylated
- Clinical trials may offer access to newer treatments
What you need to do now:
- Meet with your oncology team to discuss your specific recurrence—location, size, and molecular characteristics matter enormously
- Ask about genomic testing of the recurrent tumor tissue
- Discuss all available options including surgery, radiation approaches, and clinical trials
- Consider a second opinion from a GBM specialist, ideally at an NCI-designated cancer center
The Musella Foundation (virtualtrials.org) and Cancer Commons both offer free resources to help patients navigate recurrent brain cancer options.
This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult your healthcare team for personalized medical advice and decisions.
Ask Navis about your case
That answer is general. Ask about your specific situation. No signup, answered right here.
Facing this with someone you love?
Keep the whole picture in one private place: records, a plain-language summary of where things stand, questions, and the people helping. Navis keeps it up to date so no one has to re-explain the story. Free, and only the people you invite can ever see it.
Start a care circle →Related Services
Services that may help with prognosis for cancer patients
Have your records handy? Upload them for a deeper, personalized analysis →
Related Questions
Helping a patient with a rare form of follicular lymphoma. What questions should we bring to the oncologist
TL;DR: Ask your oncologist which specific type of follicular lymphoma you have, what stage it is, and whether standard treatments or clinical trials a
What are the initial treatment options for prostate cancer, and when is active surveillance right
TL;DR: Prostate cancer treatment depends on how aggressive your cancer is and how long you're expected to live—many men with slow-growing cancer can s
Helping a patient with a rare form of follicular lymphoma. What questions should we bring to the oncologist
TL;DR: Ask your oncologist which specific tests they've done to confirm your follicular lymphoma type, what treatment options exist for your particula
What questions should I ask before starting radiation therapy
TL;DR: Before starting radiation, ask your doctor about the treatment plan, side effects you might experience, how it fits with other treatments, and
Prostate cancer, Gleason 6. Is active surveillance reasonable
TL;DR: Gleason 6 prostate cancer is generally considered low-risk, and active surveillance careful monitoring without immediate treatment is a reasona
Just diagnosed with follicular lymphoma. What should I ask my oncologist
TL;DR: Follicular lymphoma is highly treatable, and your first conversation with your oncologist should focus on understanding your specific stage, wh
Prostate cancer, Gleason 6. Is active surveillance reasonable for me
TL;DR: Gleason 6 prostate cancer is generally considered low-risk, and active surveillance careful monitoring without immediate treatment is a reasona
What questions about staging should I bring up
TL;DR: Staging tells you how advanced your cancer is and helps your doctor plan treatment—ask your team to explain YOUR specific stage and what it mea