Five Nurses, One Floor: Mysterious Glioblastoma Cases

A disturbing medical mystery is unfolding at one of Boston’s premier healthcare institutions, Brigham and Women’s Hospital. At least five nurses who worked on the same maternity ward floor have been diagnosed with glioblastoma, a rare and aggressive form of brain cancer, sparking growing concern among public health officials, medical professionals, and the broader community. 

Four of the nurses have already passed away, and the fifth is currently undergoing treatment. The nurses had all spent several years working in the same unit of the hospital. Because glioblastoma isn’t very common, having this many cases from one floor of a hospital is raising concerns that there might be some kind of environmental issue going on. 

Families of the nurses and other hospital staff are asking for a full investigation. Some are wondering if the nurses might’ve been exposed to something dangerous while working — maybe radiation, chemicals, or even mold. So far, no one has confirmed anything, but people want answers. 

The hospital has said it's aware of the situation and is working with health officials in Massachusetts to figure out what’s going on. Still, there’s a growing call for an independent investigation to make sure everything is being looked at properly. 

Dr. Kevin Becker, a neuro-oncologist explained in an interview with People that glioblastoma usually isn’t caused by genetics or passed down in families. That makes it even more unusual that so many people from one hospital unit would develop it. 

The unsettling development has sent ripples through the healthcare community, particularly among nursing staff who once worked in the affected ward. Some have taken to social media to share concerns about previous working conditions and report similar symptoms. 

As the public awaits further information, pressure is mounting on hospital administrators and state health departments to provide transparency and conduct a thorough risk assessment. For now, the case remains under preliminary review, with no definitive cause or link established.