Surgical management of intracranial gliomas - Does radical resection improve outcome?

This paper discusses the arguments for and against radical tumor resection as a strategy for treatment of cerebral gliomas. Method. Data from the Glioma Outcome Project were analyzed to determine whether survival could be related to extent of resection in 666 patients treated by biopsy or resection for malignant cerebral gliomas. Findings. Consistent survival advantages were noted for those patients treated with resection. Interpretation. This observational study, although undoubtedly reflecting selection bias, provides data that support resection as a major factor in survival after surgery for malignant gliomas.