Glioblastoma is one of the most aggressive brain cancers in adults. It grows quickly, spreads into nearby brain tissue, and often returns after treatment.

These features make it difficult to study and treat. Researchers therefore need well-characterized patient-derived biospecimens to understand how the tumor develops and how it responds to therapy.

At Bay Biosciences, we provide human biospecimens that help support oncology research, including Glioblastoma Samples, Fresh Frozen Tumor Tissue, FFPE Tissue Samples, Human Cancer Samples, and other relevant Human Tumor Tissue Samples.

Understanding Glioblastoma

Glioblastoma is a brain tumor that begins in glial cells, the supporting cells of the central nervous system. 

It most often starts in the cerebral hemispheres, but can occur elsewhere in the brain.

Moreover, Glioblastoma is the most common malignant tumor of the brain and CNS, with about 12,300 new cases diagnosed each year in the United States between 2014 and 2018. 

The tumor invades surrounding tissue and has poorly defined edges, so surgeons cannot easily remove all of it. Among primary malignant brain and CNS tumors, glioblastoma has the lowest observed survival, at 8 months. 

Symptoms of Glioblastoma

Symptoms depend on where the tumor sits in the brain and how fast it grows. They often develop over a short period, and they can get worse quickly.

Common symptoms include:

However, these symptoms are not specific to glioblastoma. Other conditions can cause them, so doctors need imaging and tissue testing to confirm the diagnosis.

Causes and Risk Factors of Glioblastoma

The cause of most glioblastomas is unknown, and risk factors do not necessarily cause cancer either. 

However, at the cellular level, researchers believe the tumor arises when genetic changes build up in glial cells. Common changes in these tumors include EGFR amplification, TERT promoter mutations, and gain of chromosome 7 with loss of chromosome 10. 

Some common risk factors include: 

Age

Glioblastoma occurs mostly in adults, and the risk rises with age. The median age at diagnosis is in the mid-60s.

Previous Radiation Exposure

High-dose ionizing radiation to the head, usually from earlier cancer treatment, is the only well-established environmental risk factor. Tumors linked to radiation can appear many years after the exposure.

Inherited Genetic Syndromes

A small number of inherited genetic syndromes raise the risk. These include Li-Fraumeni syndrome, neurofibromatosis type 1, and Turcot syndrome. They explain only a small share of cases.

Diagnosis of Glioblastoma

Doctors usually begin with a neurological examination and a review of the patient’s symptoms and medical history. They test strength, vision, speech, balance, and memory to see which parts of the brain may be affected.

Imaging is also used for diagnosis. 

MRI is the most reliable tool for locating brain tumors, but doctors may also use a CT scan. 

Moreover, surgeons may also obtain tissue through a stereotactic biopsy or during an operation to remove the tumor. Pathologists then examine the tissue under a microscope. They look for pleomorphic cells, frequent cell division, new abnormal blood vessels, and areas of dead tissue.

Treatment of Glioblastoma

Treatment depends on the tumor’s location, the patient’s age, and overall health. A team of specialists usually plans care, including a neurosurgeon, a radiation oncologist, and a medical oncologist.

  1. Surgery

The first step is usually surgery to remove as much of the tumor as can be done safely. The aim is to reduce the tumor while protecting speech, movement, and other brain functions. Surgery also provides tissue for molecular analysis. 

2. Radiation Therapy and Chemotherapy

After surgery, the standard approach is known as the Stupp protocol. Patients receive about six weeks of daily radiation therapy together with daily temozolomide chemotherapy. They then receive up to six months of temozolomide alone.

The benefit from temozolomide is largely limited to tumors with MGMT promoter methylation. In older patients or those in poor health, doctors may adjust the plan. For example, they may withhold radiation or use temozolomide alone when the tumor is MGMT methylated.

3. Tumor Treating Fields

Tumor treating fields use a wearable device that produces electric fields to disrupt cancer cell division. Doctors add them during maintenance temozolomide.

4. Supportive Care

Supportive care continues throughout treatment. It helps manage symptoms such as seizures, pain, fatigue, and neurological problems. Doctors may prescribe corticosteroids to reduce swelling around the tumor, along with anti-seizure medicines. Physical therapy can help patients regain strength and independence.

Why Glioblastoma Research Needs Well-Characterized Samples

Glioblastoma differs widely between patients, and even between regions of the same tumor. Researchers therefore need samples that come with reliable clinical and pathological information.

Researchers can also compare Glioblastoma Tissue Samples with normal healthy donor samples to find which changes are specific to the disease.

These samples fit many laboratory methods, including sequencing, proteomics, and immunostaining. They also help researchers study the tumor environment, immune cells, and inflammation around the tumor.

Applications of Glioblastoma Samples for Research

Glioblastoma Tissue Samples

Glioblastoma Tissue Samples allow researchers to study tumor structure, cell types, and molecular features directly. They support histology, immunohistochemistry, gene expression analysis, and other laboratory techniques.

Glioblastoma Biospecimens

Glioblastoma Biospecimens can include tissue, plasma, and serum. Together, they let researchers connect changes in the tumor with changes in the blood.

Brain Cancer Tissue Samples

Brain Cancer Tissue Samples make it possible to compare glioblastoma with other brain tumors, as well as with non-tumor brain tissue.

Human Brain Tumor Samples

Human Brain Tumor Samples provide direct access to the tumor environment. Researchers can examine how cancer cells interact with inflammation and the surrounding tissue.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between fresh frozen and FFPE glioblastoma samples?

Fresh Frozen Tumor Tissue preserves nucleic acids and proteins for molecular work. FFPE Tissue Samples preserve tissue structure, which suits histology and staining.

Why is tumor variation important in glioblastoma research?

Glioblastoma cells differ from one region of a tumor to another and from one patient to another. Studying Glioblastoma Samples from different patients helps researchers understand why tumors behave differently and respond differently to treatment.

Can researchers use blood-based glioblastoma samples?

Yes. Human serum samples and Human plasma samples can support studies of circulating biomarkers in patients with brain cancer.

Are Bay Biosciences’ human biospecimens ethically sourced?

Yes. All of our human biospecimens are collected through appropriate consent and IRB-approved protocols.

Supporting Your Research with Bay Biosciences

At Bay Biosciences, we have a comprehensive range of high-quality human biospecimens.

Some of these include:

If you have any questions, concerns, or special requests, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us!