Postoperative radiotherapy for glioblastoma multiforme

Area of Science:

• Neuro-oncology
• Radiation Oncology
• Clinical Medicine

Background:

• Glioblastoma multiforme is an aggressive primary brain tumor.
• Effective treatment strategies for glioblastoma multiforme remain a significant challenge in neuro-oncology.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of radiotherapy in patients with glioblastoma multiforme.
• To identify prognostic factors influencing survival in glioblastoma multiforme patients treated with radiotherapy.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 39 glioblastoma multiforme patients treated with radiotherapy between 1983 and 1990.
• Radiotherapy regimens included whole brain irradiation followed by boost to the tumor area, with doses ranging from 58 to 70 Gy.
• Prognostic factor analysis was performed using treatment response and Karnofsky performance status.

Main Results:

• The median survival time was 11.8 months, with 1- and 2-year survival rates of 49% and 12%, respectively.
• Complete response to treatment was associated with significantly longer median survival (28.7 months) compared to partial response or stable disease (9.8 months).
• High pre-irradiation Karnofsky performance status (≥70%) correlated with better median survival (13.5 months) than low status (9.0 months).

Conclusions:

• Radiotherapy plays a crucial role in managing glioblastoma multiforme.
• Treatment response and pre-treatment Karnofsky performance status are significant predictors of survival in glioblastoma multiforme patients.
• Factors such as smaller tumor size, extent of resection, reoperation, and younger age may also favorably influence outcomes.