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Prognostic factors influencing the outcome of thalamic glioma
S Pathy1, S Jayalakshmi, S Chander
1Department of Radiation Oncology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Ansari Nagar, New Delhi, 110029, India.
Insights
This study on thalamic glioma found that subtotal resection improved patient prognosis. Radiotherapy was a standard treatment, with 2-year disease-free survival at 28% in this patient cohort.
Area of Science:
- Neuro-oncology
- Pediatric Oncology
- Radiation Oncology
Background:
- Thalamic gliomas are rare brain tumors affecting both children and adults.
- Treatment strategies and prognostic factors for thalamic gliomas require further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze treatment outcomes and identify prognostic factors in a cohort of thalamic glioma patients.
- To evaluate the impact of various clinical and pathological factors on disease-free survival.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 27 patients (adults and children) diagnosed with thalamic glioma between 1991 and 1997.
- Review of patient demographics, symptoms, surgical procedures, histopathology, radiotherapy details, and follow-up data.
- Statistical evaluation of prognostic factors including age, sex, symptom duration, surgical approach, tumor grade, and radiotherapy dose.
Main Results:
- Headache and vomiting were the most common presenting symptoms.
- 16 patients had confirmed histopathology: 12 low-grade astrocytomas and 4 high-grade gliomas.
- Disease-free survival at 2 years was 28%. Subtotal resection was associated with a better prognosis.
Conclusions:
- Subtotal tumor resection appears to be a significant factor for improved prognosis in thalamic gliomas.
- Further research is needed to optimize treatment protocols for these challenging tumors.
Abstract:
Retrospective analysis of 27 patients of thalamic glioma including adults and children treated over a period of 7 years from 1991-1997 was done. The study group included 19 males and 8 females; 9 patients were less than 15 years and 18 patients more than 15 years of age at the time of diagnosis. The commonest symptoms were headache and vomiting. 12 patients underwent VP shunt as an initial procedure and 7 underwent total or partial surgical resection. Confirmed histopathological examination was possible in 16 patients; while 12 had low grade astrocytoma, 4 cases had high grade histology. All patients were treated with radiotherapy to a total dose of 50-60 Gy in 25-30 fractions. Median follow up was 9.63 months. The disease free survival in these patients was 28% at 2 years. Prognostic factors which included age, sex, duration of symptoms, surgical procedures, histology and radiotherapy dose were evaluated for significance. A subtotal resection conferred a better prognosis.