Glioblastoma is one of the deadliest brain cancers in adults—and for many families, the cost of hope comes with a six-figure price tag. Here’s what happens when standard treatment isn’t enough, and the only option left is to ask for help.
For most couples, planning the future means travel, careers, or maybe starting a family. But for some, everything changes with a diagnosis. When a partner is told they have glioblastoma—an aggressive and often treatment-resistant brain tumour—conversations quickly shift from home renos to chemotherapy cycles, from dream holidays to private oncology referrals.
In the case of Asta Pratapaviciene and her partner Raimondas, that shift has come with a £100,000 price tag—far beyond what most families can afford.
The National Health Service (NHS) offers a recognised standard of care for glioblastoma, typically involving surgery followed by radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Yet, access to more advanced or individualised therapies remains limited—particularly in adult cases.
Between 2013 and 2018, England saw over 15,000 glioblastoma diagnoses. The age-standardised incidence sits at 4.98 per 100,000 people annually, with men affected at nearly twice the rate of women. Of those diagnosed, only 29% receive aggressive multi-modal treatment. A staggering 21% receive no treatment at all.
Despite decades of research, survival rates have barely improved. Median survival for all patients is just 7 months. For those receiving the full standard treatment package, this may extend to 16 months. Only 5% of patients survive longer than five years.
For many families, the hardest part of a glioblastoma diagnosis isn't just the prognosis—it's finding out that potentially life-extending treatments exist, but aren't available through the NHS. These may include targeted therapies or clinical trials offered privately or overseas, often carrying a price tag well beyond what most households can manage.
With limited public access to newer or experimental options, patients frequently find themselves caught between two healthcare systems: one that offers standard care, and another that offers possibility—if you can afford it.
If someone you love receives a glioblastoma diagnosis, know that:
And if you believe no one should be denied access to life-saving care simply because they can't afford it, consider supporting people like Asta and Raimondas. Their story reflects a quiet reality shared by many across the UK.
Because sometimes love means fighting the impossible. And sometimes, a small act of support helps someone else keep fighting.
