Kelley Mack, best known for her roles in The Walking Dead, 9-1-1, and Chicago Med, has died at the age of 33. Her family confirmed the heartbreaking news, sharing that she passed away in her hometown of Cincinnati after battling glioma, a rare and aggressive form of brain cancer that affects the central nervous system.
In September 2024, Kelley had publicly revealed her diagnosis, expressing hope as she began treatment to fight the disease. Despite undergoing care, her health declined, and she sadly lost her battle in her hometown.
What is glioma?
According to the Cleveland Clinic, a glioma is a tumour that begins when glial cells, the cells that surround and support nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, start growing uncontrollably. These tumours usually form in the brain but can also develop in the spinal cord.
The American Cancer Society reveals that gliomas are among the most common types of primary brain tumours, and they start in the brain tissue rather than spreading from another part of the body. While some gliomas grow slowly, others can be highly aggressive and difficult to treat.
Causes and risk factors
Doctors still do not know the exact cause of gliomas. However, several risk factors may increase the chances of developing them:
- Genetic mutations: Changes in DNA that control cell growth can lead to uncontrolled cell division.
- Family history: Though rare, a family history of glioma or other brain cancers can raise risk.
- Age: Gliomas are more common in adults between 45 and 65, though they can occur at any age.
- Radiation exposure: Past exposure to ionising radiation, often from cancer treatments, may increase risk.
- Male gender: According to the National Cancer Institute, gliomas occur slightly more often in men than in women.
First signs and symptoms of gliomas
One of the biggest challenges with gliomas is that early symptoms can be subtle and easily mistaken for other conditions. As per the Mayo Clinic, the most common warning signs are:
- Persistent headaches, often worse in the morning or at night
- Seizures, sometimes the first noticeable symptom
- Vision problems, including blurred or double vision
- Cognitive changes, such as memory loss or confusion
- Speech difficulties
- Weakness or numbness in the limbs
- Balance problems
Doctors explain that anyone experiencing persistent neurological symptoms should seek immediate medical evaluation.
Can gliomas be treated?
Treatment for gliomas depends on the size, type, and location of the tumour, as well as the patient’s overall health. The National Cancer Institute (NCI) and Johns Hopkins Medicine highlight several approaches:
- Surgery: Often the first step, surgeons try to remove as much of the tumour as possible without damaging healthy brain tissue.
- Radiation therapy: High-energy beams target and kill remaining cancer cells after surgery.
- Chemotherapy: Drugs like temozolomide are commonly used to slow or stop tumour growth.
- Targeted therapy: Newer drugs aim to attack specific genetic mutations found in gliomas.
- Clinical trials: Many patients explore experimental treatments, including immunotherapy.
While treatment can improve quality of life and extend survival, gliomas remain one of the most challenging brain cancers to treat. According to the American Brain Tumour Association, outcomes vary widely depending on the grade of the tumour.
