Famous rom-com author Sophie Kinsella reveals battle with rare, aggressive brain cancer :’My memory is even worse than it was before’

Kinsella, whose career boasts bestsellers like “Can You Keep a Secret?”, “Shopaholic” series, and “The Burnout” (released in October 2023), has garnered much international recognition. Many of her works can be found in bookstores across India, even with roadside sellers. The first two “Shopaholic” novels were adapted into the 2009 film “Confessions of a Shopaholic,” starring Isla Fisher.

 

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Dr Akshat Kayal, consultant – neurosurgery, Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, Mumbai, explained that glioblastoma, also known as glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), is an aggressive type of cancer that affects the brain or spinal cord. It originates from star-shaped cells called astrocytes, which support and nourish nerve cells. A glioblastoma occurs due to uncontrolled multiplication of astrocytes. Unfortunately, glioblastoma carries a poor prognosis due to its rapid growth and invasive nature.

“On average, survival time after diagnosis with treatment is around 15 months. However, individual outcomes can vary based on factors such as age, overall health, tumour type, tumour location, and response to treatment,” expressed Dr Katyal in an interaction with indianexpress.com.

What are the signs and symptoms of it? Is it possible to catch it early?

The signs and symptoms of glioblastoma can vary depending on the tumour’s location and size, said Dr Katyal.

Common symptoms include persistent and worsening headaches, nausea, and vomiting due to increased intracranial pressure, seizures (especially in older adults), and neurological deficits such as weakness, numbness, vision problems, speech difficulties, and personality changes. Cognitive decline, including memory loss, difficulty concentrating, and changes in behaviour, may also occur.

Catching glioblastoma early can be challenging due to the nonspecific nature of its symptoms, but seizures can sometimes be an early sign of the tumour, he said.

What does treatment and management look like?

Treatment for glioblastoma typically involves a multidisciplinary approach. Surgery is often the primary treatment to remove as much of the tumour as possible without causing damage to healthy brain tissue, said Dr Katyal, adding that this is followed by radiation therapy to kill the remaining cancer cells and control tumour growth.

Chemotherapy is commonly used alongside radiation therapy to target and destroy cancer cells. Targeted therapy with specific medications may also be employed to target genetic mutations within the tumour cells.

Despite these treatments, glioblastoma remains challenging to manage, and ongoing research is exploring new approaches such as immunotherapy, gene therapy, and personalised medicine to improve outcomes and quality of life for patients in the future.