Preoperative growth dynamics of untreated glioblastoma: Description of an exponential growth type, correlating factors, and association with postoperative survival

Background. Little is known about the growth dynamics of untreated glioblastoma and its possible influence on postoperative survival. Our aim was to analyze a possible association of preoperative growth dynamics with postoperative survival. Methods. We performed a retrospective analysis of all adult patients surgically treated for newly diagnosed glioblastoma at our center between 2010 and 2020. By volumetric analysis of data of patients with availability of >= 3 preoperative sequential MRI, a growth pattern was aimed to be identified. Main inclusion criterion for further analysis was the availability of two preoperative MRI scans with a slice thickness of 1 mm, at least 7 days apart. Individual growth rates were calculated. Association with overall survival (OS) was examined by multivariable. Results. Out of 749 patients screened, 13 had >= 3 preoperative MRI, 70 had 2 MRI and met the inclusion criteria. A curve estimation regression model showed the best fit for exponential tumor growth. Median tumor volume doubling time (VDT) was 31 days, median specific growth rate (SGR) was 2.2% growth per day. SGR showed negative correlation with tumor size (rho = -0.59, P < .001). Growth rates were dichotomized according to the median SGR.OS was significantly longer in the group with slow growth (log-rank: P = .010). Slower preoperative growth was independently associated with longer overall survival in a multivariable Cox regression model for patients after tumor resection. Conclusions. Especially small lesions suggestive of glioblastoma showed exponential tumor growth with variable growth rates and a median VDT of 31 days. SGR was significantly associated with OS in patients with tumor resection in our sample.