How to Prepare for a Glioblastoma Second Opinion

Understanding the Timeline for Glioblastoma Treatment and Second Opinions

Because this cancer grows fast, glioblastoma requires fast treatment, according to Dr. Laura Donovan, a neuro-oncologist and the medical director of the Brain Tumor Center at Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University in Atlanta. Experts recommend surgery to remove the tumor no later than a month after diagnosis. Following surgery, patients may need to start other treatments like radiation and chemotherapy within a few weeks, with six weeks being the latest, Donovan notes. Patients who wish to pursue a second opinion should do so sooner rather than later to avoid compromising these critical treatment windows.

How to Gather and Organize Medical Records

Gathering medical records is an essential step before meeting with a second-opinion provider. Patients can obtain these files through their online patient portal or by requesting them directly from their oncologist and primary care provider, according to health guidance. Records can be kept in a digital folder or stored as paper copies inside a medical binder. Essential documents include blood test results, imaging scans such as X-rays, CT scans, or MRIs, and pathology reports detailing tumor characteristics. Additional vital paperwork comprises past medical history, operation reports, hospitalization reports, and a summary of the current treatment plan.

Accessing Glioblastoma Specialists and NCI-Designated Centers

Experts recommend specialized care for glioblastoma because it is both complex and rare. A neurological oncologist, or neuro-oncologist, is a cancer doctor who specializes in brain tumors. Finding a specialist nearby can prove challenging, as neuro-oncologists practice in fewer than 1 percent of United States zip codes. To locate a qualified expert, patients should consider visiting a National Cancer Institute (NCI)–designated cancer center. These facilities meet strict guidelines in cancer care and research, and their providers maintain the most up-to-date knowledge on specific glioblastoma types and treatment options. According to Dr. Ryan Cleary, a neurosurgeon at VCU Health and VCU Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center in Richmond, Virginia, second opinions can be especially helpful for recurrent glioblastoma to identify alternative treatments and available clinical trials. Clinical trials test new treatments that might not otherwise be accessible. While some patients find comfort in hearing matching assessments from two different doctors, others receive updated molecular testing as classification methods for brain tumors continue to evolve, according to Donovan.

Preparing for the Appointment and Remote Options

Traveling with a brain tumor can feel overwhelming, and symptoms like headaches and nausea often make getting to distant medical appointments difficult. Many top cancer centers—such as Cedars-Sinai, Cleveland Clinic, Emory Healthcare, and Stanford Medicine—offer remote second opinions so patients can access expert evaluations without leaving home. A virtual second opinion typically involves calling the center or filling out an online form, uploading medical records with coordinator assistance, paying a fee or arranging insurance coverage, and receiving a written report following a video review. Insurance coverage varies, and out-of-state remote opinions sometimes require out-of-pocket fees. For in-person visits, organizations like the American Cancer Society, Air Charity Network, CancerCare, Corporate Angel Network, Joe’s House, and Mercy Medical Angels can help arrange transportation. Patients should also plan on bringing a loved one or friend along, whether attending in person or via video call, to take notes, ask questions, and provide emotional support. Before the visit, patients should draft a list of specific questions, such as asking if the provider agrees with the initial treatment plan, whether the patient qualifies for clinical trials, or if additional molecular testing is recommended. A supportive oncologist will welcome the review, as Dr. Cleary notes:

You’re in this together to try and get people the best care that they can get.

Ryan Cleary, MD