GBM originates from astrocytes, which are a type of glial cell. The factors that cause normal-functioning astrocytes to become cancerous is not well understood.

• 多形性胶质母细胞瘤起源于星形胶质细胞，这是胶质细胞的一种。促使正常工作的星形胶质细胞转变为肿瘤细胞的原因尚不得而知。