NCIt related terms : GBM; Glioblastoma multiforme; CNS, glioblastoma (GBM);
NCIt definition : The most malignant astrocytic tumor (WHO grade 4). It is composed of poorly differentiated
neoplastic astrocytes and is characterized by the presence of cellular polymorphism,
nuclear atypia, brisk mitotic activity, vascular thrombosis, microvascular proliferation,
and necrosis. It typically affects adults and is preferentially located in the cerebral
hemispheres. (Adapted from WHO);
Alternative definition : NCI-GLOSS: A fast-growing type of central nervous system tumor that forms from glial
(supportive) tissue of the brain and spinal cord and has cells that look very different
from normal cells. GBM usually occurs in adults and affects the brain more often than
the spinal cord.;
NCIt note : Glioblastoma is not an astrocytoma. It is an astrocytic tumor. The latter includes
astrocytomas and glioblastomas. However, when an anaplastic astrocytoma progresses
to grade IV tumor, it is called a glioblastoma.;
Neoplastic status : Malignant;
ICD-O code : 9440/3;
Codes from synonyms : 10018337; CDR0000539131; CDR0000045698; CDR0000045699;