Therapy of glioblastoma multiforme: a cumulative experience of 10 years.

PURPOSE

Comparison of the effect of different therapeutic modalities on survival time of patients with glioblastoma multiforme operated on during the last decade (1980-1990).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The records of 157 consecutive patients with the histological diagnosis of glioblastoma multiforme were analysed for survival with respect to age of patients, extent of surgery, influence of re-operation and adjuvant postoperative treatment. The latter included fractionated radiotherapy, chemotherapy (BCNU. CCNU with Vincristine) and photodynamic therapy (PDT).

RESULTS

Analysis of variance showed a significant effect for survival after macroscopically radical surgery (p = 0.005), postoperative radiotherapy (p < 0.001), chemotherapy (p < 0.01). Low age (p < 0.05) and a postoperative Karnofsky performance score (KPS) > or = 60 (p < 0.001) had a positive influence: the site of tumour and pre-operative presence of seizures had no significant influence (p > 0.1) on survival time.

CONCLUSION

We conclude that the current adequate management of glioblastoma multiforme should include surgical resection followed by adjuvant treatment such as radiotherapy and chemotherapy.