For decades, debate has persisted regarding the role of surgical resection in newly diagnosed glioblastoma. There is increasing evidence that extent of resection (EoR) is an independent prognostic factor. Previous work has proposed the inclusion of EoR in a risk stratification algorithm but does not incorporate account recent advances in the molecular characterization of tumours. We set out to investigate the effect of EoR on overall survival (OS), and to develop a stratification algorithm incorporating both EoR and modern molecular markers for prognostication. HYPOTHESIS: Greater EoR is independently associated with improved OS. METHODS: We examined 190 consecutive cases of histopathologically confirmed newly-diagnosed glioblastoma who were operated upon between January 1, 2012 and December 31, 2014. Variables including age, sex, postal code, KPS, tumour location, presenting symptoms, treatment history, date of progression, date of reoperation, as well as MGMT, IDH, 1p/19q codeletion, and ATRX status were recorded. Preoperative and postoperative MRIs were reviewed and volumetric tumour burden will be analyzed and EoR will be calculated. RESULTS: Preliminary EoR calculations (n=18) show a positive correlation between EoR and OS. CONCLUSION: A correlation exists between EoR and OS, although multivariable analysis is planned to exclude potential confounders. MRI review, chart review including molecular marker analysis and EoR calculations are ongoing.
Intensive chemotherapy vs. hypomethylating agents in older adults with newly diagnosed high-risk acute myeloid leukemia: A single center experience
