Gross Total Resection, Radiotherapy and Temozolomide as an Aggregate Management, in Patients Suffering Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM). Can it be Beneficial?

Abstract

Background: Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most aggressive glioma subtype. Objective of this study is to find out if there is any benefit from the combination of Gross Total Resection (GTR) of the tumor and postoperative management with Radiotherapy and Temozolomide (RT&TMZ), for the overall survival of these patients. Material and methods: In this 5 year study, were included 82 patients who underwent surgery for GBM. After the surgical removal of the tumor, there were two different options for the patients: treatment with combination of RT and TMZ, or doing nothing more. Collected information included sex, age, Ki-67 levels, preoperative Karnofsky performance score (KPS), therapeutic approach and survival time. Results: 82 patients were meeting the inclusion criteria for this study. Studying the statistical correlation of individual factors, it is clear that KPS, GTR and RT&TMZ represent statistical significance over survival of the patients. Patients with combined GTR, RT and TMZ have longer survival time, compared with all others. Conclusion: The modification of the conventional treatment for GBM, adding GTR and RT&TMZ could lead to a more efficient management and effective treatment for GBM, elongating the survival of these patients.