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Glioblastoma multiforme in the very elderly
Felicity V Connon1, Mark A Rosenthal2,3, Katherine Drummond4,5
1Department of Neurosurgery, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. fvconnon@gmail.com.
Neurosurgical Review
|July 26, 2015
Summary
Very elderly patients (80+) with glioblastoma often receive surgery but rarely post-operative radiotherapy or chemotherapy. This largest cohort highlights the need for tailored treatment strategies and clinical trials for this population.
Area of Science:
- Neuro-oncology
- Geriatric oncology
Background:
- Glioblastoma is the most common and malignant primary brain tumor.
- Standard treatment involves surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy.
- Elderly patients (80+) may not tolerate standard aggressive treatments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze treatment patterns and outcomes for glioblastoma patients aged 80 years or older.
- To assess the feasibility and efficacy of standard treatments in this specific demographic.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective data collection from two hospitals (2008-2011).
- Utilized the CNS Tumour Database on the Australian Comprehensive Cancer Outcomes and Research Database (ACCORD).
- Included 40 patients aged 80+ diagnosed with glioblastoma.
Main Results:
- All 40 patients underwent surgery; 33% achieved gross total resection.
- Only 15% received post-operative radiotherapy or chemotherapy.
- Median overall survival was 4 months; 28% survived 6-24 months.
- Patients tolerated surgery well, but adjuvant therapies were seldom used.
Conclusions:
- This is the largest reported cohort of very elderly glioblastoma patients.
- Surgery was tolerated, but adjuvant treatments were limited.
- This population requires specialized attention and clinical trial participation to determine optimal care.
