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. 2017 Jan;58(1):41-45.
doi: 10.11622/smedj.2016044. Epub 2016 Feb 26.

Glioblastoma multiforme outcomes of 107 patients treated in two Singapore institutions

Song Tao Timothy Cheo  1 , Gek Hsiang Lim  2 , Keith Hsiu Chin Lim  1   3
Affiliations

Glioblastoma multiforme outcomes of 107 patients treated in two Singapore institutions

Song Tao Timothy Cheo et al. Singapore Med J. 2017 Jan.

Abstract

Introduction: Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most common primary brain tumour in adults. Although the survival rate for GBM has improved with recent advancements in treatment, the prognosis remains generally poor.

Methods: We conducted a retrospective review of GBM patients seen in National University Hospital, Singapore, and Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Singapore, from January 2002 to December 2011. Data on disease and treatment factors was collected and correlated with survival.

Results: Data on a total of 107 GBM patients was analysed. Their median survival time was 15.1 months and the two-year survival rate was 23.5%, which is comparable with data published in other series. The factors associated with improved median survival time were radiotherapy dose > 50 Gy (16.1 months vs. 8.7 months, p = 0.01) and adjuvant concurrent chemotherapy (16.4 months vs. 9.2 months, p = 0.003).

Conclusion: GBM confers a poor prognosis. Adjuvant radiotherapy and chemotherapy are associated with improved survival. Ethnicity may be a contributing factor to differences in GBM incidence and prognosis.

Keywords: brain tumour; clinical outcomes; glioblastoma multiforme.

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Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Graph shows the overall survival of the patients, according to the radiotherapy dose they received.
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Graph shows the overall survival of the patients, according to whether they underwent adjuvant concurrent chemotherapy treatment.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

Comment in

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