Patient outcomes following second surgery for recurrent glioblastoma

Abstract

Background: The most appropriate management of recurrent glioblastoma is still controversial. In particular, the role of surgery at recurrence remains uncertain.

Patients & methods: From our Institutional data warehouse we analyzed 270 consecutive patients who received second surgery for recurrent glioblastoma, to assess survival after second surgery, and to evaluate prognostic factors.

Results: Complete resection was found in 128 (47.4%) and partial resection in 142 patients (52.6%). Median survival from second surgery was 11.4 months (95% CI: 10.0-12.7). Multivariate analysis showed that age (p = 0.001), MGMT methylation (p = 0.021) and extent of surgery (p < 0.001) are associated with better survival.

Conclusion: A complete resection should be the goal for second resection and younger age and MGMT methylation status might be considered in the selection of patients.

Keywords: MGMT; age; glioblastoma; second surgery.