Radiochemotherapy for unresectable glioblastoma multiforme: a mono-institutional experience

WCRJ 2014; 1 (4): e401

  Topic: Radiotherapy     Category:

Abstract

Introduction: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the results of a single institution’s experience using radiochemotherapy (temozolomide and external beam radiotherapy) in patients with unresectable biopsy proven glioblastoma or partially removed glioblastoma.

Materials and Methods: From January 2002 to December 2010, twenty-four consecutive patients received radiation therapy combined with temozolamide for unresectable glioblastoma. All patients underwent biopsy in order to have histology graded according to WHO classification. Patients were treated with radiotherapy (60Gy in 30 fractions) plus continuous daily temozolomide (75 mg/m2/die, 7 days per week) followed by six cycles of adjuvant temozolomide (200 mg/m2).

Eighteen patients (75%) received the intended treatment; 4 (17%) patients interrupted the schedule at the third cycle for progression disease, one patient (4%) at the the first cycle for toxicity and 1 patient (4%) died by cardiovascular disease.

Results: The analysis showed a median survival of 13.8 months and 15.4 % of patients achieved a 2 years overall survival from diagnosis. Among the patients who completed the protocol we observed a median survival of 16.8 months and 2 years overall survival of 19.8%.

Conclusions: Combined treatment consisting in radiotherapy and TMZ (temozolamide) seemed to be an effective and well-tolerated treatment in unresectable or in partially removed glioblastoma patients. This combination improved overall survival with acceptable toxicity.

To cite this article

Radiochemotherapy for unresectable glioblastoma multiforme: a mono-institutional experience

WCRJ 2014; 1 (4): e401

Publication History

Published online: 21 Dec 2014