The Challenges of Management of High-grade Gliomas in Nigeria

High-grade gliomas (HGG) are among the most challenging brain tumors despite many research efforts worldwide.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the local challenges that may influence outcome of HGG managed in a neurosurgical center in Nigeria.

Retrospective analysis of prospectively recorded data of patients managed for intracranial HGG at Memfys Hospital for Neurosurgery, Enugu, Nigeria, between the year 2006 and 2015. Only cases with conclusive histology following surgery were analyzed.

Glioma was 60 (23.8%) of 252 histology confirmed brain tumors. HGG represented 53.8% of gliomas with male:female ratio of 2.2:1.0 and peaked from fifth decade of life. Glioblastoma multiforme accounted for 69% of HGG. At 1-year postsurgery, 53% of HGGs were dead and 88% of these deaths were in the World Health Organization Grade IV group. Only 40% of cases could receive adjuvant treatment with only 15% mortality at 1 year in this subgroup that received adjuvant therapy. In addition, 19% of cases had surgery at Karnofsky score (Ks) of ≥70%. However, 94% of mortality at 1 year was related to surgery at Ks of ≤60%. Only four patients had a tumor volume of ≤50 cm³, and among these cases, three patients were independent at 1 year. Patients with tumor volume above 50 cm³ accounted for 94% of mortality.

The peak age incidence for HGG seems to be lower than in Caucasians. Most cases present late with poor Ks and big tumor volume. The proportion with access to adjuvant treatment is still poor. Preoperative Karnofsky, extent of resection, duration of hospital, and Intensive Care Unit stay have impact on outcome.