Survival analysis and quality of life of pediatric low grade glioma treated by postoperative radiotherapy

Abstract

Objective To analyze the clinical characteristics of children with low grade glioma (LGG) and evaluate their survival status and quality of life in LGG pediatric patients after postoperative radiotherapy. Methods Clinical data of 27 LGG children aged≤14 years admitted to Department of Radiation Oncology of our hospital from January 2011 to December 2017 were retrospectively analyzed. The 5-year overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) were estimated with the Kaplan-Meier method.The quality of life was evaluated by body mass index (BMI), WeeFIM and enrollment situation. Results The 5-year OS and PFS of 27 pediatric patients were 92% and 87%. BMI was measured in 25 children who were still alive and the results showed that 1 child was slightly emaciated, 3 were overweight and 21 were normal. The total score of WeeFIM was> 108 in 21 cases and< 90 in 4 cases. In terms of social role-playing assessment, 5 cases delayed enrollment for≥ 2 years, 2 cases had good adaptation except the difficulties due to lameness, 7 of them had poor study performance, but had no communication barrier. Conclusions Children with LGG can obtain relatively excellent OS and PFS after postoperative radiotherapy. Part of the children with long-term survival may experience a declined quality of life, which is mainly manifested with a decline in motor and cognitive functions. Key words: Pediatric low grade glioma/radiotherapy; Survival; Quality of life