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Updated: Jun 27, 2026
PET and MRI Guided Irradiation of a Glioblastoma Rat Model Using a Micro-irradiator
Published on: December 28, 2017
Short course of radiation therapy in elderly patients with glioblastoma multiforme
A Idbaih1, S Taillibert, J-M Simon
1Service de radiothérapie oncologique, pavillon Antonin-Gosset, groupe hospitalier Pitié-Salpêtrière, AP-HP, 47-83, boulevard de l'Hôpital, 75651 Paris cedex 13, France.
Purpose:
The optimal schedule of irradiation in elderly patients suffering from glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is unsettled.
Materials And Methods:
This study reviewed the charts of 28 consecutive GBM patients aged 70 years or more with a Karnofsky Performance Status (KPS) greater than or equal to 70 who received a short course of radiotherapy (40 grays in 15 fractions over three weeks).
Results:
The median age at surgery was 74.6 years (range, 70.1-85.7). No patient received prior or concomitant chemotherapy. The median progression-free survival and overall survival were 21.6 weeks (95% CI, 17.0-39.9) and 50.6 weeks (95% CI, 26.3-62.0), respectively. Even within a narrow range (<90 or >or=90), KPS remained a prognostic factor (p=0.03). Tolerance appeared acceptable in terms of KPS changes and corticosteroid use during radiation therapy.
Conclusion:
These results support the efficacy of short schedule radiotherapy for GBM in elderly patients with a good KPS.
