Lessons Learnt From Glioblastoma Surviving 20 Years Progression Free: A Case Report

Area of Science:

• Neuro-oncology
• Neurosurgery

Background:

• Glioblastoma (GBM) is an aggressive primary brain tumor with a typically poor prognosis, often leading to short survival times.
• Current treatment strategies often prioritize subtotal resection for functional preservation, which may not be optimal for patient outcomes.

Observation:

• A 22-year-old male presented with symptoms of increased intracranial pressure and focal neurological deficits.
• The patient underwent gross total removal (GTR) of the glioblastoma.
• Following GTR and adjuvant irradiation, the patient has remained recurrence-free for over 20 years.

Findings:

• This case demonstrates a rare instance of long-term survival exceeding 20 years in a glioblastoma patient.
• Achieving gross total resection, in conjunction with radiotherapy, may be associated with prolonged survival in select glioblastoma cases.

Implications:

• This case offers hope for extended survival in glioblastoma patients and supports the pursuit of GTR when feasible.
• Preserving tissue specimens for future molecular testing and fostering strong patient-physician relationships for long-term follow-up are crucial.