Efficacy of Treatment for Glioblastoma Multiforme in Elderly Patients (65+): A Retrospective Analysis

Background: Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is an ultimately fatal disease that affects patients of all ages. Elderly patients (65 years and older) constitute a special subgroup of patients characterized by a worse prognosis and frequent comorbidities. Objectives: To assess the efficacy of different treatment modalities in terms of survival in elderly patients with GBM. Methods: Using retrospective analysis, we extracted, anonymized and analyzed the files of 74 deceased patients (aged 65 or older) treated for GBM in a single institution. Results: Mean survival time was 8.97 months and median survival time 7.68 months. Patients who underwent tumor resection had a mean survival of 11.83 months, as compared to patients who underwent no surgical intervention or only biopsy and had a mean survival of 5.22 months (P < 0.0001). Patients who underwent full radiation treatment had a mean survival of 11.31 months, compared to patients who received only partial radiotherapy or none at all and had a mean survival of 4.09 months (P < 0.0001). Patients who underwent chemotherapy had a mean survival of 12.4 months, compared to patients who did not receive any chemotherapy and had a mean survival of 5.89 months (P < 0.001). Conclusions: Age alone should not be a factor in the decision on which treatment should be given. Treatment should be individualized to match the patient's overall condition and his or her wishes, while taking into consideration the better overall prognosis expected with aggressive treatment. IMAJ 2011; 13: 290-294