Impact of Delayed Onset of Radiotherapy in Patients with Poor Prognosis Glioblastoma Multiforme
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- Category: Vol. 82, March 2014
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Impact of Delayed Onset of Radiotherapy in Patients with Poor Prognosis Glioblastoma Multiforme, RASHA M. ABDEL LATIF
Abstract
Objectives: The aim of this study is to detect impact of waiting time for initiation of radiotherapy as a prognostic factor on survival in patients treated with palliative dose in poor prognosis glioblastoma multiforme.
Patients and Methods: Thirty six patients with a newly diagnosed glioblastoma, aged 60-85 years and with ECOG performance score 2 or 3 were enrolled in this prospective study. Twenty one were male and 15 were female. Patients were treated with a palliative course of radiotherapy (30Gy in 6 fractions). Debulking performed in 9 (25%) patients, biopsy in 19 (52.8%), and only radiological diagnosis in 8 (22.2%) patients, time between seen and start of radiotherapy was detected. The primary end point was overall survival.
Results: Median overall survival was 96 days. In univariate analysis median overall survival was better in younger age groups but not significant (p=0. 13), performance status 2 vs 3 significant statistically (p=0.04), type of resection showed statistical significance (p=0.026). Age and time of waiting presented negative correlation with survival (r=–0.074, p=0.528) and time between seen and start of radiotherapy showed positive correlation (r=0.096, p=0.41 1).
Conclusions: For patients with GBM and a poor prognosis, in term of age and performance status (PS) managed with palliative radiotherapy, survival is short. Survival may be too short to benefit from radiotherapy and possibly surgery, especially with longed waiting time to start radiotherapy.