Glioblastoma is a highly invasive glioma or malignant tissue within the brain. Glioblastomas (GBM) are tumors that originate from astrocytes-star shaped glial cells of the central nervous system. Glioblastomas are highly malignant, meaning cancerous, due to the rapid reproductive nature of the cells. In fact, glioblastomas are the most common form of malignant brain tumours in adults, according to the Canadian Cancer Society. Unfortunately, the head singer of the band The Tragically Hip, Gord Downie, was diagnosed with glioblastoma in December of 2015.
Generally found in the cerebral hemisphere of the brain, glioblastomas are incurable malignant tumours. Though glioblastomas are generally found within the cerebral hemisphere, there is potential for them to form in other parts of the brain such as the corpus callosum, brainstem or spinal cord. Glioblastomas contains a mixture of cell types, the most common cell being astrocytes. Often these tumors contain: calcium deposits, blood vessels, cystic mineral, or a mixed variety of cells. Glioblastomas are considered malignant due to the exponential rate in which the tumor cells, which are nourished by ample blood supply, reproduce at any given time. Being that glioblastomas originate from healthy brain cells, it is easy for the cancerous cells to invade and live within the healthy brain or spinal tissue. The are two different types of glioblastomas: primary and secondary. Primary glioblastomas, the most common form of glioblastoma, tend to form and make their presence known promptly. Secondary glioblastomas have a longer, somewhat slower growth rate, but are still very aggressive. This type of tumor begins as lower-grade tumor and develops into a higher grade. Secondary glioblastomas are often uncommon, only representing approximately 10% of all glioblastomas.
Since glioblastomas can grow rapidly, most symptoms are caused due to the increased pressure within the brain. Common symptoms can include headache, nausea, vomiting and drowsiness. However, depending of the the location of the tumor, other symptoms can arise such as weakness on one side of the body, memory and/or speech difficulties as well as visual changes. Symptoms produced by a glioblastoma depend immensely on the location of the tumor rather that the pathological properties of it.
Gord Downie was diagnosed with the terminal cancer just nine months ago. In December of 2015, Gord Downie was admitted to the emergency room at the Kingston Hospital after suffering a seizure in the downtown streets of Kingston, Ontario. Doctors performed an MRI to determine the cause of the seizure. The results of the MRI showed a lesion, body tissue that has suffered injury or disease. Downie was immediately taken into the operating room to have a resection surgery performed in hopes of removing most of the tumor. Head of neurology at Sunnybrook Health, Dr. Perry, performed the surgery and was successful in the removal of most of the tumor mass. Following the surgery, Downie underwent six weeks of Monday through Friday radiation combined with an oral chemotherapy drug called temozolomide. Downie’s doctor, Dr. Perry said “the good news is that Mr. Downie has a type of glioblastoma that is known to respond well to treatment. He has a specific genetic marker – positive MGMT methylation status – that can translate into significantly longer survival.” Gord Downie continues to receive chemotherapy regularly and on occasion undergoes magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan in order to monitor the tumor. Pulmonologist, Dr. Cook compared glioblastoma to an anthill. He explained that the tumor mass itself is visible, similar to the sandy parts of an anthill. However, underground, there are thousands of ants crawling around far from the hill. In other words, a surgical resection can remove most of the tumor mass, but it cannot get rid of the cancerous cells that have spread throughout Downie’s body. Dr. Cook mentioned, “ At some point the benefits of doing surgery to remove additional tissue actually just will render an individual in worse condition. The prognosis for glioblastoma, the most aggressive and common type of brain cancer, is dissatisfactory. The average life expectancy after diagnosis being between 14 to 18 months. In regards to Gord Downie, his doctor- Dr. Perry, was careful to avoid commenting on his estimated life expectancy, as each individual is different and many variable are involved.
Despite the diagnosis, Gord Downie’s singing career will not be put on hold and halted due to his cancer. As Downie’s neuro-oncologist, Dr. Perry knew his patient would endure mental and physical challenges while performing shows during The Tragically Hip’s Canada wide tour. Yet, Dr. Perry admits he never doubted Gord Downie’s conviction, boldness and energy as a performer. Dr. Perry has attended all but one of The Tragically Hip’s Man Machine Poem shows as Gord Downie’s touring physician. However, Dr. Perry has followed the band not as a necessity but as a precaution. Gord Downie, while on tour, stopped receiving upfront treatment including radiation and chemotherapy, however, doctors are monitoring his health very closely. Nevertheless, Gord Downie’s doctors are not the only ones supporting him. The remaining members of The Tragically Hip: Paul, Gord S, Johnny and Rob continue to support Gord Downie in all aspects of life. In a message from the band, they stated, “...he’s endured a lot of difficult times, and he has been fighting hard. In privacy along with his family, and through all of this, we’ve been standing by him.” Gord Downie and his bandmates have been together for the past thirty years, so it comes as no surprise that his bandmates support him and his family through these difficult times. But the support does not stop there. Gord Downie has the support of all Canadians, wishing him sympathy and strength as he endures these difficult moments. While performing at their last concert in Kingston on August 20, 2016, Gord Downie announced to the audience his thanks, “Thank you, people, for keeping me pushing and keeping me pushing.”
Almost nine months ago, Gord Downie, head singer of the Tragically Hip, was diagnosed with glioblastoma. Glioblastoma is a form of aggressive and incurable brain cancer. Downie underwent multiple surgeries, chemotherapy and radiation in hopes to prolong his life.These past nine months have probably been the worst months of Gord Downie’s life. Yet, he continues to perform, continues to enlighten his fans with his touching music, continues to pursue his dreams. Gord Downie not only inspired people through his music, but he inspired people through his perseverance in a difficult time.
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