Multifocal and Multicentric Glioblastomas: A 10 Year Single Centre Experience

Abstract

Abstract AIMS The aims of this study are to share our experience of a large series of multifocal/multicentric glioblastomas (mGBM) and analyse the clinical, histological/molecular and neuroimaging characteristics as well as the outcomes of the patients in order to inform and contribute to future patient care. METHOD We conducted a retrospective single centre study of all multifocal/multicentric glioblastomas treated at our institution over a 10 year period. Data was collected from electronic patient records including patient demographics, clinical presentation, diagnostic imaging, treatment plans and histopathology/molecular findings. Time to recurrence/progression and overall survival was assessed. RESULTS 1158 glioblastomas were treated surgically over this time period of which 121 multifocal/multicentric tumours were identified (10.4%). The median age at diagnosis was 63 years with a slight male predominance (54.5%). Half of all patients (61/121) presented with focal neurological deficits. 69% of patients underwent a craniotomy for diagnosis/debulking of the larger enhancing component of the tumour whilst 31% underwent only a biopsy. The median time to recurrence/progression was 154 days. Median length of survival was 269 days. Those who underwent craniotomy had significantly prolonged survival compared to biopsy alone 301 vs 198 days (p= 0.027) as did those who had a near total resection 401 vs 269 for subtotal resection (P=0.006) and those < 60 years (p=< 0.001). 88% of patients were IDH1 wildtype. Radiotherapy and chemotherapy confer a significant survival advantage when compared with no further treatment (p<0.001). CONCLUSION Near total resection of the larger enhancing component and post-operative chemo/radiotherapy can offer prolonged survival in patients with mGBM.