Support & Positive Attitude Is Everything
- Legendary singer-songwriter Michael Bolton, 72, was diagnosed with a brain tumor, specifically an aggressive type called glioblastoma, in 2023 and underwent surgery to remove it in January 2024, which was a success.
- Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most aggressive form of brain cancer. It grows rapidly and infiltrates surrounding brain tissue, making it challenging to treat. A diagnosis of glioblastoma is indeed overwhelming, but understanding your treatment options can empower you to make informed decisions about your care.
- Support through life’s challenges, even cancer treatment, can make the world of a difference, whether it’s support from friends, family, spouses, or fellow cancer fighters in a support group.
- Licensed clinical psychologist Dr. Marianna Strongin previously wrote for SurvivorNet, that it’s “important that you surround yourself with individuals who care and support you throughout your treatment,” which she said can be an “arduous chapter.”
- Overcoming adversity can seem daunting but having a plan can make it feel achievable. It’s important to remember know that setting goals and breaking them into smaller steps is key. When going through a difficult time try setting a goal, making a plan, relying on others, and using positive self talk
Bolton took to Instagram on Wednesday to share a sweet family photo and inform his fans that he recently offered some more insight into this brain cancer journey, writing, “The story of my cancer diagnosis was just published by People magazine. Sharing such a profoundly personal chapter of my life hasn’t been easy, but People has long been a champion of human interest stories and there’s no other publication that approaches families with the same compassion, care, and sincerity.
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The “Go The Distance” singer continued, “I want to take a moment to thank the incredible team who helped me tell this story, and who turned what could have been a very difficult day into something truly meaningful, and even joyful, for me and my family. Special thanks to Rachel DeSantis for writing the story, and to Ashley Abel for capturing such beautiful photographs of our time together.
“I also want to thank all of you for the love, support, and patience you’ve shown over this past year. I’ve drawn strength from your encouragement, and I continue to draw strength from it every day as I move forward on this journey. With deep gratitude, Michael.”
In his interview with People, the singer-songwriter, who underwent emergency brain surgery in December 2023, said about his cancer fight, “You’re reaching into your resources and your resolve in a way that you never would have thought.
“Succumbing to the challenge is not an option. You’re really quickly drawn into a duel. I guess that’s the way you find out what you’re made of.”
Bolton told People that his speech, mobility, and short-term memory have been affected by his cancer treatments, but he remains hopeful and determined to keep fighting with his loved ones by his side.
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His daughter Holly recounted, “He was in recovery in the hospital room singing within minutes.
“I remember one of the nurses [at the hospital] had no idea who he was, and she’s like, ‘Do you know he sings like this?'”
Bolton ultimately underwent emergency surgery to completely remove the tumor in his brain in December 2023, and then a second brain surgery a month later following an infection, People explains.
He completed radiation and chemotherapy treatment in October 2024, and continues to get routine MRIs every two months to check if the tumor has returned. His April 2025 scan revealed he was still in the “clear.”
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- Remembering Senators Ted Kennedy and John McCain Who Both Died on This Day of Glioblastoma; What Are the Treatment Advances?
Bolton told People, “Whenever you find yourself in any kind of challenging position, just to know that you’re not alone going through it is a big deal.
“It actually helps people to know. It reminds them that they’re not alone.”
He has since been enjoying life in his Westport, Connecticut, residence, alongside his family, and doing the things he loves, like mediating, golfing, working out, and taking voice lessons.
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Bolton continued, “I find comfort in general more easily. [The whole experience] gives me a heightened sense of appreciation. It’s unthinkable for it to be okay not to make the most of your life.
“I think we develop capabilities and problem management, and we learn how to make the best out of a bad situation. You have to be a cheerleader for yourself.”
He added, “It’s a reality of mortality. Suddenly a new light has gone on that raises questions, including ‘Am I doing the best that I can do with my time?’”
Bolton first announced his brain tumor diagnosis in an emotional post last January, revealing that “2023 ended up presenting me with some very unexpected challenges … just before the holidays, it was discovered that I had a brain tumor, which required immediate surgery.”
He explained further, “Thanks to my incredible medical team, the surgery was a success. I am now recuperating at home and surrounded by the tremendous love and support of my family.
“For the next couple of months, I will be devoting my time and energy to my recovery which means I’ll have to take a temporary break from touring.”
Understanding Glioblastoma
Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most aggressive form of brain cancer. It grows rapidly and infiltrates surrounding brain tissue, making it challenging to treat. A diagnosis of glioblastoma is indeed overwhelming, but understanding your treatment options can empower you to make informed decisions about your care.
After you’ve had a full work-up, experts say getting a consultation at a treatment center that sees a lot of patients with brain cancer can be an extremely valuable step. Utah’s renowned Huntsman Cancer Institute in Salt Lake City is one of these excellent centers.
Dr. Randy Jensen, a neurosurgeon at Huntsman, recently told SurvivorNet that the standard of care for glioblastoma is typically to start with surgery.
“The standard of care for glioblastoma is to start off with a maximal safe resection, and that means having your surgeon pull out all the stops of anything they can do to maximize resection [removal],” Dr. Jensen explains.
The Standard of Care for Glioblastoma
The treatment of glioblastoma requires a comprehensive approach involving multiple medical specialties. Your care team may include neurosurgeons, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, neuro-oncologists, and supportive care specialists.
The treatment approach for glioblastoma may consist of the following steps.
- Surgery: The first step in treatment is often surgical removal of the tumor, also known as resection. The goal of surgery is to remove as much of the tumor as possible while preserving neurological function. Complete removal is often difficult due to the tumor’s infiltrative nature, but reducing the tumor size can improve the effectiveness of subsequent treatments. In cases where surgery is not possible due to the tumor’s location, a biopsy may be performed to confirm the diagnosis.
- Radiation Therapy: Following surgery, most patients undergo radiation therapy to target any remaining cancer cells. Radiation uses high-energy X-rays or protons to damage the DNA of tumor cells, preventing them from growing and dividing. It is typically administered five days a week over a period of six weeks. Radiation therapy is a crucial component in slowing tumor progression and improving survival rates.
- Chemotherapy: Temozolomide (TMZ) is the standard chemotherapy drug used in glioblastoma treatment. It is taken orally and works by interfering with the tumor cells’ ability to replicate. TMZ is often used in combination with radiation therapy (concurrent chemoradiation) and then continued as maintenance therapy for several months.
- Tumor Treating Fields (TTFs): TTFs are a newer, non-invasive treatment option that uses alternating electrical fields to disrupt cancer cell division. This therapy, known by the brand name Optune, is discussed in more detail below.
After surgery, the next step is to “present that case in a multidisciplinary tumor board where everybody is in the room and everybody can review the pathology together; everyone can review the images pro-operation and post-operation,” Dr. Jensen explains.
The purpose of the tumor board is to give brain cancer experts with different specialties the opportunity to discuss and decide on the best possible treatment approach.
Side Effects of Glioblastoma Treatment
Each glioblastoma treatment comes with potential side effects. Your medical team will work with you to manage these effects and improve your quality of life.
Surgery side effects can include:
- Swelling in the brain (edema), which may require steroids to reduce inflammation
- Neurological deficits, such as difficulty speaking, memory problems, or muscle weakness, depending on the tumor’s location
- Infection or bleeding at the surgical site
Radiation side effects can include:
- Fatigue, which can persist for weeks after treatment ends
- Hair loss in the treated area
- Skin irritation or redness
- Cognitive effects, such as difficulty concentrating or memory problems
Chemotherapy side effects can include:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Increased risk of infections due to lower white blood cell counts
- Fatigue
- Low blood platelet levels, which can increase the risk of bleeding or bruising
Tumor Treating Fields (TTFs) side effects can include:
- Skin irritation from the transducer arrays
- Mild to moderate headaches
- Scalp sensitivity
- Psychological adjustment to wearing the device for extended periods
When are Tumor Treating Fields Used?
Tumor Treating Fields (TTFs) represent an exciting advancement in glioblastoma treatment. This therapy is designed to slow tumor growth without affecting healthy brain tissue.
TTFs use low-intensity, alternating electric fields to disrupt cancer cell division. This is achieved through a wearable device that delivers continuous therapy on the scalp. These fields interfere with the tumor cells’ ability to multiply, ultimately slowing or stopping tumor progression.
Two major clinical trials, EF-11 and EF-14, demonstrated that TTFs provide a survival benefit for glioblastoma patients:
- EF-11 Trial: This trial focused on recurrent glioblastoma and found that patients receiving TTF therapy had comparable survival rates to those receiving chemotherapy, but with fewer side effects
- EF-14 Trial: This trial demonstrated that newly diagnosed glioblastoma patients who used TTFs alongside standard chemotherapy had significantly improved survival compared to those who received chemotherapy alone
TTFs may be recommended in the following scenarios:
- Newly Diagnosed Glioblastoma: After surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy, TTFs can be integrated into the treatment plan to enhance survival rates. The device is typically used continuously for at least 18 hours per day to maximize its effectiveness.
- Recurrent Glioblastoma: For patients whose tumors have returned, TTFs may be an option to extend survival and manage disease progression.
Your healthcare team will assess your overall health, tumor characteristics, and previous treatments to determine if TTFs are suitable for you. Factors such as your ability to wear the device consistently and your comfort with its use will also be considered.
The Future of Glioblastoma Treatment
Research into new glioblastoma treatments is ongoing.
Some promising areas of focus include:
- Immunotherapy: Exploring ways to activate the body’s immune system to fight the tumor
- Targeted Therapies: Investigating drugs that specifically attack glioblastoma cells with fewer side effects
Clinical trials also offer access to experimental therapies that may improve outcomes. Patients interested in participating in clinical trials should discuss options with their oncologists. Check out SurvivorNet’s simple Clinical Trial Finder here.
Power of Support
A cancer diagnosis can certainly be a stressful experience. One way SurvivorNet experts encourage cancer patients to alleviate some of that stress by leaning on their support system.
A support system can be made up of loved ones like family and friends. It can also be comprised of strangers who have come together because of a shared cancer experience. Mental health professionals can also be critical parts of a support system.
“Some people don’t need to go outside of their family and friend’s circle. They feel like they have enough support there,” psychiatrist Dr. Lori Plutchik told SurvivorNet.
“But for people who feel like they need a little bit more, it’s important to reach out to a mental health professional,” Dr. Plutchik added.
Psychiatrist Dr. Lori Plutchik discusses how people respond to stressors in different ways.
Dr. Plutchik also stressed it is important for people supporting cancer warriors to understand their emotions can vary day-to-day.
“People can have a range of emotions, they can include fear, anger, and these emotions tend to be fluid. They can recede and return based on where someone is in the process,” Dr. Plutchik said.
Adversity And The Art of Happiness: How Hardship Makes You Even Stronger
Contributing: SurvivorNet Staff
Learn more about SurvivorNet's rigorous medical review process.
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