Brain Re-irradiation for Recurrent Glioblastoma …. Is It Justified?
Waleed N. Abozeed
Department of Clinical Oncology and Nuclear Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University Hospital, Mansoura University, Egypt.
Shimaa E. Attia
Department of Clinical Oncology and Nuclear Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University Hospital, Mansoura University, Egypt.
Mohamed S. Zahi *
Department of Clinical Oncology and Nuclear Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University Hospital, Mansoura University, Egypt.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Background: Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM) is a grade IV brain tumour with high recurrence rate despite maximum treatment including surgical resection, concurrent chemo-radiotherapy and adjuvant chemotherapy. In recurrent tumours, there is no standard treatment available.
Patients and Methods: This is a retrospective analysis of patients with recurrent GBM who presented to our department in the period between Jan 2017 to Dec 2018 and received re-irradiation after tumour recurrence. Data were collected from patient medical records to assess DFS, OAS and toxicity.
Results: Totally, 33 patients were enrolled. All cases were re-irradiated to a total dose of 30 Gy in 15 fractions. The overall survival and progression-free survival were significantly better in younger patients with good performance status and small tumour size. Only 2 cases (6.1%) developed deterioration of neurological symptoms.
Conclusion: Brain re-irradiation is a feasible and safe treatment option in patients with recurrent GBM.
Keywords: A brain tumour, GBM, recurrence, re-irradiation.