One of the first things families want to understand after a glioblastoma diagnosis is what treatment usually involves. Julie Crawshay built The Neuro Farmacist to answer exactly these foundational questions in accessible language. Drawing on what she learned supporting her husband Nic through GBM, Julie Crawshay explains the commonly described "standard of care" so families know what to expect when they sit down with their medical team.

What "standard of care" means

"Standard of care" refers to the treatment approach that is widely accepted and commonly recommended for a given condition. For glioblastoma, the standard of care has historically combined several elements that work together. It is important to remember that every situation is individual, and your medical team will tailor the plan to your specific circumstances.

Surgery

Treatment often begins with surgery. The goal is usually to safely remove as much of the tumour as possible — a step sometimes called maximal safe resection. Because glioblastoma infiltrates surrounding brain tissue, complete removal is frequently not possible, and surgeons balance removing tumour with protecting important brain functions. Surgery also provides tissue for the molecular testing described in our guide to MGMT and IDH markers.

Radiation therapy

After surgery, radiation therapy is commonly used to target remaining tumour cells in and around the surgical area. Radiation is typically delivered over several weeks in carefully planned sessions. The aim is to slow tumour regrowth while limiting effects on healthy tissue as much as possible.

Temozolomide chemotherapy

Chemotherapy with temozolomide is another core component frequently described in the standard of care. Temozolomide is an oral chemotherapy that is often given alongside radiation and then continued in cycles afterward. Research suggests that how a tumour responds may relate to factors such as MGMT methylation status, which is why many neuro-oncologists recommend discussing your specific results when planning treatment.

Beyond the standard approach

The standard of care is a starting framework, not the entire picture. Many families also explore clinical trials, supportive care to manage symptoms, and approaches to wellbeing and nutrition. Julie Crawshay encourages families to view treatment as a collaborative, evolving conversation with their team rather than a fixed checklist.

For a deeper walk-through of these topics, the free GBM Caregiver's Resource Guide from Julie Crawshay is a helpful companion, and The Neuro Farmacist shares ongoing explainers on Substack. Understanding the standard of care helps families feel prepared and engaged, which is the whole reason Julie Crawshay shares this information.

Disclaimer: This article is for general educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Treatment decisions must be made with your qualified medical team.