P18 * LONG TERM SURVIVAL OF HIGH GRADE GLIOMA: A SINGLE INSTITUTION STUDY

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Despite advances in treatment, median survival of adult glioblastoma is between 12 and 15 months. Our unit has, on average, 83 malignant brain tumours diagnosed per year. We have noticed an apparent increase in numbers of long term survivors of high grade glioma, and wanted to evaluate this in order to guide appropriate future service provision for these patients. METHOD: A retrospective review of the high grade glioma patients in our neurosurgical centre. Notes were requested for all patients who attended the High Grade Glioma (HGG) clinic from 2003 to 2008; this ensured a population with a minimum of 5 years follow-up. A standardised data collection form was used for demographic, clinical and treatment-associated parameters. RESULTS: 79 patients were identified, of which 69 notes were reviewed. 42 of these had HGG; 28 survived more than 5 years. 14 of these were grade 4 glioma, and 14 grade 3. 5.6 cases per year survived >5yrs, equating to 6.7% of patients with primary malignant brain tumours per annum. The median age of survivors > 5yrs was 41.5yrs. Survival ranged from 5 years to 13 years. Recurrence rate was 43% and reoperation rate 10%. Karnofsky Performance Score (KPS) at diagnosis was 90 in 89%, and >70 in 75% at time of last clinic. CONCLUSION: Patients with high grade gliomas can survive greater than 5 years. Survivorship studies are therefore increasingly important not only to guide treatment and management of a condition which is typically thought of as having poor prognosis with short life span, but also to increase resources for patients accordingly.