Combined modality treatment of newly diagnosed glioblastoma multiforme in a regional neurosurgical centre

The “local experience” of the Stupp protocol was examined in the treatment of patients with newly diagnosed glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) with particular emphasis given to the extent of surgical resection and its effect on survival. Thirty-one patients with newly diagnosed GBM who underwent combined modality treatment according to the Stupp protocol were assessed retrospectively. Variables assessed were the extent of surgery, size and site of the tumour, age and performance status. Primary end points were overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS). Median OS was 33 months for macroscopic tumour resection (9 patients; 29%), 15 months for debulking (15; 48%) and 9 months for biopsy (7; 22%). Macroscopic tumour resection resulted in significantly improved OS and PFS compared to the two less radical surgical options (p < 0.001). Patients with GBM undergoing maximal resection of the tumour followed by adjuvant radiotherapy and chemotherapy have an improved survival compared to patients undergoing either subtotal resection or biopsy alone. This statistically significant survival benefit was achieved in a regional neurosurgical centre with minimal additional toxicity.