Glioblastoma is an aggressive brain cancer that affects around 3,000 people in the UK each year, and the choices you make in the first weeks can shape everything that follows. Here’s what you need to know about treatment options, costs, and what families are doing when the NHS can’t cover their treatment.
Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most common—and most aggressive—primary brain tumour in adults. According to , the average survival time is just 12–15 months, and fewer than 5% of patients survive five years. The tumour's rapid growth and resistance to standard treatments make it especially difficult to manage.
The NHS offers a combination of surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy as the standard treatment for glioblastoma. According to a 2025 population-based study in England, only about 29% of patients receive all three treatments, while 21% receive no treatment at all. Even with the best NHS care, recurrence is common, and options become limited quickly.
Key NHS treatments:
What's not covered:
Cutting-edge therapies like immunotherapy, tumour-treating fields, and gene-targeted drugs are generally not available on the NHS, as they're still considered experimental or too costly for routine use.
When NHS options run out, families often look to private clinics in the UK or abroad. These treatments can include:
But here's the catch:
Peer-reviewed studies in PubMed and Taylor & Francis Online peg the initial cost of glioblastoma treatment in the UK in the range of £1,978 to £26,980 per patient, with median costs varying based on the patient's prognosis. For example, patients with the best prognosis (MRC score 1-10) had a median cost of £16,550 (range £4,572-£26,090), while those with the worst prognosis (MRC score 34-38) had a median cost of £6,514 (range £1,978-£18,360). This does not include supportive or community-based care.
Patients with a worse prognosis (higher MRC score) typically have shorter survival times and may receive less intensive or shorter-duration treatment (e.g., fewer surgeries, less radiotherapy, or palliative care only). In contrast, those with a better prognosis live longer and often undergo more extensive and prolonged treatment, which increases costs.
Take the case of Asta Pratapaviciene and her partner Raimondas, who launched a in early 2025 after Raimondas was diagnosed with glioblastoma. Their goal: raise £100,000 for private, potentially life-extending therapies unavailable through the NHS.
What does the data show?
This is not unusual.
Many UK families in similar situations turn to crowdfunding, but the gap between what's needed and what's raised is often vast.
1. Understand the Standard Pathway
Start with NHS care—surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy—since these are proven, accessible, and covered.
2. Know the Limits of the NHS
Be aware that advanced therapies are rarely available on the NHS. If you want to pursue them, you'll need to plan for private costs.
3. Research Experimental Options Carefully
Not all private or overseas treatments are backed by substantial evidence. Use resources like Cancer Research UK to check for clinical trials and new therapies.
4. Plan for the Financial Reality
Private treatment is expensive. Crowdfunding can help, but most campaigns fall short of their targets. Consider all costs, including travel and aftercare.
5. Seek Support Early
Connect with charities like The Brain Tumour Charity and Brainstrust for advice, emotional support, and help navigating the system.
Glioblastoma is a devastating diagnosis, and the UK's best minds are working to improve outcomes. For now, most families face tough choices between standard NHS care and costly private alternatives. If you're considering your options, start by gathering information, talking to your care team, and connecting with others who've walked this path.
For a real-world look at the challenges and hope involved, you can read more about Asta and Raimondas's journey .
