QLTI-11. TIMELINE FROM INITIAL MRI TO INTERVENTION IN NEWLY DIAGNOSED HIGH GRADE GLIOMA

Abstract

Abstract OBJECTIVE Prompt treatment of high-grade glioma is crucial for prolonging life. In an attempt to identify factors that lead to delays in treatment, we evaluated the amount of time between initial MRI and treatment start date for our patients with newly diagnosed high grade glioma. METHODS This was a retrospective chart review study. Adults over the age of 18 years of age with newly diagnosed high grade glioma were included if they were seen by the neuro-oncology department at Loma Linda University Medical Center. Reviewed charts were dated from November 2020 to August 2022. We evaluated the amount of time between initial MRI and several important milestones in the diagnosis and treatment of high grade glioma, including resection; biopsy results; neuro-oncology consult; radiation-oncology consult; date that chemotherapy was ordered, received by the patient, and initiated; and radiation therapy start date. RESULTS Twenty-two patients with new diagnosis of high-grade glioma were identified. Six patients were excluded due to complicated treatment courses involving outside facilities. Sixteen patients were included in the study. Thirteen patients (81%) had a diagnosis of glioblastoma, 2 (12%) had a diagnosis of diffuse midline glioma, and 1 (6%) had a diagnosis of anaplastic astrocytoma. The mean number of days between initial MRI and chemotherapy start date was 88. Prolonged timelines were seen in all analyzed metrics. CONCLUSIONS There is a significant delay in chemotherapy initiation for patients with high grade glioma at our facility. We also provide a framework for other institutions to evaluate their system processes in order to improve care delivery.