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Metastatic glioblastoma: case presentations and a review of the literature

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Abstract

Extracranial metastases from glioblastoma (GBM) are uncommon with an estimated incidence of less than 2%. We report two cases of metastatic GBM seen within an 8-week period followed by a literature review. We attempted to identify common factors or a causative mechanism. Factors that predominated among the reviewed cases included male gender, tumor location, and younger age. Causative mechanisms were not apparent. While metastatic disease remains rare, it might be occurring with increasing frequency. This trend might be due to increased diagnosis, better imaging, a more extensive physician workup, or an increase in survival. Metastatic GBM can present and progress quite rapidly, and repeat evaluations of persistent or worsening complaints among GBM patients are warranted. Early diagnosis of metastatic disease spread can help to expedite alleviation of patients’ discomfort, in an already aggressive disease process.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Neurology, Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, 710 North Lake Shore Drive, Abbott Hall, Room 1123, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA

    Gauri Kalokhe, Sean A. Grimm & Jeffrey J. Raizer

  2. Department of Neurosurgery, Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, 676 N. St. Clair Street, Suite 2210, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA

    James P. Chandler

  3. Department of Preventative Medicine, Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, 680 N. Lake Shore Drive, Suite 1400, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA

    Irene Helenowski & Alfred Rademaker

Authors
  1. Gauri Kalokhe
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  2. Sean A. Grimm
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  4. Irene Helenowski
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  6. Jeffrey J. Raizer
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Correspondence to Jeffrey J. Raizer.

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Kalokhe, G., Grimm, S.A., Chandler, J.P. et al. Metastatic glioblastoma: case presentations and a review of the literature. J Neurooncol 107, 21–27 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11060-011-0731-1

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11060-011-0731-1

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