What is glioblastoma? Former NBA player Jason Collins dies after battle with aggressive grade 4 brain cancer

Former NBA player Jason Collins, the NBA's first openly gay player, has died at the age of 47 following a battle with glioblastoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer. “We are heartbroken to share that Jason Collins, our beloved husband, son, brother and uncle, has died after a valiant fight with glioblastoma,” his family shared in a statement released by the NBA on Tuesday, May 12.

Glioblastoma, also known as GBM or glioblastoma multiforme, is the most aggressive type of tumor that arises in the brain. As per glioblastomafoundation, it is also one of the most lethal forms of brain cancer that can result in death in as little as 15 months after diagnosis.

The disease is classified as a grade 4 astrocytoma, the most severe form of glioma. Because the tumor spreads rapidly into nearby brain tissue, it becomes extremely difficult to remove completely through surgery. Malignant brain tumors are cancerous and can quickly invade healthy brain structures, making the condition life-threatening.


According to the Mayo Clinic, glioblastoma starts in astrocytes and belongs to a wider group of tumors called gliomas. The tumor’s rapid growth and ability to spread throughout the brain are among the biggest reasons it is so difficult to treat.

Why Glioblastoma is so dangerous

As per the Glioblastoma Foundation, the current standard treatment, surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy, remains largely ineffective in curing the disease. The organization states that the median survival time for a person diagnosed with glioblastoma is about 15 months. Without treatment, survival can drop to just three to six months.

Glioblastoma presents several major treatment challenges. One of the biggest obstacles is the blood-brain barrier, which makes it difficult for medicines to effectively reach the tumor. The cancer is also highly resistant to existing therapies and often spreads into healthy brain tissue.

The disease accounts for nearly half of all tumors that originate in the brain. According to the National Cancer Institute, around 15,000 people are diagnosed with glioblastoma every year.

The outlet also notes men are 50% more likely to be diagnosed with glioblastoma than women. The median age at diagnosis is 65, though doctors are seeing cases among adults younger than 40.