Short-course Radiotherapy in Elderly Patients with Glioblastoma: Feasibility and Efficacy of Results from a Single Centre

Overview

Journal Strahlenther Onkol

Specialties Oncology
Radiology

Date 2013 Apr 30

PMID 23625362

Citations 3

Authors

L Fariselli

V Pinzi

I Milanesi

A Silvani

M Marchetti

M Farinotti

A Salmaggi

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Background: The incidence of glioblastoma (GBM) in the elderly population is currently increasing, with a peak seen between 65 and 84 years. The optimal treatment in terms of both efficacy and quality of life still remains a relevant and debated issue today. The purpose of our study was to evaluate the feasibility of short-course hypofractionated accelerated radiotherapy (HART) in GBM patients aged over 70 years and with a good Karnofsky performance score (KPS).

Methods: A review of medical records at the "Istituto Neurologico C. Besta" was undertaken; patients aged ≥ 70 years who had undergone adjuvant HART for GBM between January 2000 and January 2004 were included in the study. HART was administered to a total dose of 45 Gy, 2.5 Gy/fraction, in three daily fractions for three consecutive days/cycle fractions each, delivered in two cycles (split 15 days).

Results: A total of 33 patients were evaluable for the current analysis. Median follow-up was 10 months. According to CTCAE (version 3.0) criteria, none of the patients developed radiation-induced neurological status deterioration or necrosis. KPS evaluation after HART was found to be stable in 73 % of patients, improved in 24 %, and worse in 3 %. The median overall survival time of the entire study population was 8 months (range 2-24).

Conclusions: Our findings suggest that a hypofractionated accelerated schedule can be a safe and effective option in the treatment of GBM in the elderly.

Citing Articles

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Biopsy versus partial versus gross total resection in older patients with high-grade glioma: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Almenawer S, Badhiwala J, Alhazzani W, Greenspoon J, Farrokhyar F, Yarascavitch B Neuro Oncol. 2015; 17(6):868-81.

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Hippocampal EUD in primarily irradiated glioblastoma patients.

Bodensohn R, Sohn M, Ganswindt U, Schupp G, Nachbichler S, Schnell O Radiat Oncol. 2014; 9:276.

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