Short course of radiation therapy in elderly patients with glioblastoma multiforme

Purpose. - The optimal schedule of irradiation in elderly patients suffering from glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is unsettled. Materials and methods. - This study reviewed the charts of 28 consecutive GBM patients aged 70 years or more with a Karnofsky Performance Status (KPS) greater than or equal to 70 who received a short course of radiotherapy (40 grays in 15 fractions over three weeks). Results. - The median age at surgery was 74.6 years (range, 70.1-85.7). No patient received prior or concomitant chemotherapy. The median progression-free survival and overall survival were 21.6 weeks (95% Cl, 17.0-39.9) and 50.6 weeks (95% Cl, 26.3-62.0), respectively. Even within a narrow range (<90 or >= 90), KPS remained a prognostic factor (p=0.03). Tolerance appeared acceptable in terms of KPS changes and corticosteroid use during radiation therapy. Conclusion. - These results support the efficacy of short schedule radiotherapy for GBM in elderly patients with a good KPS. (C) 2008 Published by Elsevier Masson SAS.