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Updated: Jul 25, 2025
Combination Radiotherapy in an Orthotopic Mouse Brain Tumor Model
Published on: March 6, 2012
Hypo-fractionated Radiotherapy (HF-RT) Versus Conventionally Fractionated Radiotherapy (CF-RT) for Glioblastoma
Oksana Zemskova1,2, Eugene Pedachenko2, Nathan Y Yu3
1Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany.
Background/Aim:
Hypo-fractionated radiotherapy (HF-RT) is increasingly used for elderly and frail glioblastoma patients. In countries with limited radiotherapy capacities, HF-RT is more widely applied. This allowed us to compare conventional fractionation (CF-RT) vs. HF-RT in patients of any age and performance status.
Patients And Methods:
We retrospectively analysed 277 patients [110 HF-RT (52.5 Gy in 15 fractions) vs. 167 CF-RT (54.0-60.0 Gy in 27-33 fractions)] for local control (LC) and overall survival (OS) including subgroups considering specific patient characteristics.
Results:
On univariable comparisons, CF-RT was associated with significantly better LC and OS in patients with KPS ≤70 and unifocal glioblastoma, and with OS in the entire cohort. Trends were found for LC and OS in patients aged <60 years, and for OS in additional four subgroups. On multivariable analyses, improved LC and OS were significantly associated with CF-RT, KPS 80-100, unifocal glioblastoma, resection, and receipt of chemotherapy. Maximum diameter <45 mm was associated with improved OS.
Conclusion:
Given the limitations of this study, CF-RT appeared associated with better outcomes. Selected patients may benefit from HF-RT.
