A retrospective study of primary cerebellar glioblastoma multiforme in adults

Primary cerebellar glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is a rare tumour in adults that accounts for less than 1% of all patients with GBM. In view of their rarity, the pathogenesis and prognosis of cerebellar GBM are not yet completely understood. The aim of this study was to retrospectively analyse patients with primary cerebellar GBM treated in our institute over a period of 10 years. Data from the case records of five adult patients with cerebellar GBM was evaluated and their outcome was assessed. We observed local failure in patients who reported back with recurrence. The presence of brainstem infiltration was a significant factor influencing progression-free survival. The overall prognosis was worse than for patients with supratentorial GBM. In view of their rarity, a meta-analysis is required to assess the pathogenesis and prognostic factors affecting overall survival in patients with cerebellar GBM.