How should I manage a patient with newly diagnosed glioblastoma in terms of supportive care and symptom management?

Supportive care and symptom management for a patient with newly diagnosed glioblastoma should include:

• Assign a named healthcare professional (e.g., clinical nurse specialist) to coordinate health and social care support for the patient and their relatives/carers. This ensures continuity and comprehensive support throughout the care pathway ¹.
• Provide information empathetically and in accessible formats to the patient and their relatives/carers at appropriate times. This includes explaining clinical results such as imaging and pathology reports promptly ¹.
• Offer supportive care throughout treatment and beyond, addressing physical, cognitive, and emotional needs. This includes referral for neurological rehabilitation assessment at diagnosis and during follow-up to manage functional impairments ¹.
• Discuss legal obligations such as notifying the DVLA about the diagnosis, as this may affect driving privileges. ¹
• Consider fertility preservation discussions if treatment may impact fertility. ¹
• Manage symptoms proactively, including seizure control, corticosteroids for cerebral edema, and pain management as needed. Although not detailed in the excerpt, these are standard supportive measures in glioblastoma care ¹.
• Plan for end-of-life care and refer to appropriate palliative care services when the patient is likely in their last year of life. ¹
• Monitor and manage late effects of treatment such as cognitive decline, epilepsy, hearing loss, hypopituitarism, and stroke risk through regular assessments and referrals to relevant specialties (neuropsychology, audiology, endocrinology, ophthalmology, stroke services). ¹