Impact of Microsurgery and Postoperative Radiotherapy on Neurological Function in Intramedullary Spinal Cord Gliomas

Area of Science:

• Neurosurgery
• Oncology
• Radiation Oncology

Background:

• Intramedullary spinal cord gliomas are primary tumors within the spinal cord.
• Microsurgery is a standard treatment, but recurrence and neurological deficits remain challenges.
• Radiotherapy is explored as an adjunct to improve outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the clinical efficacy of combined microsurgery and postoperative radiotherapy for intramedullary spinal gliomas.
• To assess the impact of this combined treatment on patient neurological function and quality of life.

Main Methods:

• An observational study involving 60 patients with spinal cord intramedullary gliomas.
• Patients were divided into two groups: microsurgery alone (control) and combined microsurgery with postoperative radiotherapy (experimental).
• Comparison of treatment effectiveness, neurological function (NIHSS), quality of life (EORTC QLQ-C30), survival rates, and recurrence rates.

Main Results:

• The experimental group showed significantly better clinical efficacy (p <0.05).
• Improved neurological function (lower NIHSS) and quality of life (higher EORTC QLQ-C30) were observed in the experimental group (p <0.05).
• The experimental group had significantly higher survival rates and a lower recurrence rate (0% vs. 13.33%, p <0.05).

Conclusions:

• Combined microsurgery and postoperative radiotherapy is more effective than microsurgery alone for intramedullary spinal gliomas.
• This combined approach promotes better recovery of neurological function and enhances patient quality of life.
• The combination therapy leads to a significant reduction in tumor recurrence.