Survival of glioblastoma patients related to presenting symptoms, brain site and treatment variables

This retrospective study of 133 patients with glioblastoma multiforme evaluates survival times post-radiation in patients stratified in respect to age, presenting symptoms, tumour location, extent of surgery, and radiation dose delivered. Presenting features were coded as seizure, loss of consciousness, headache, speech or visual disturbance, weakness and confusion, as were tumour sites within the brain. Other parameters assessed included side of brain, age, extent of surgery and radiation dose. Statistical evaluation was undertaken by univariate and multivariate analyses to identify factors leading to enhanced survival. The median survival post-radiation was 10 months. A trend to improved early survival was demonstrated in patients presenting with acute and debilitating symptoms. The data presented reveals improved outcomes for patients younger than 60 years, particularly if radical surgery is undertaken with higher dose radiation. It is postulated that patients presenting with acute signs and symptoms are investigated earlier and are referred more promptly for treatment.