A New Survival Score for Patients Receiving Radiotherapy for Newly Diagnosed Glioblastoma Multiforme

BACKGROUND/AIM: In a previous study investigating radiotherapy for newly diagnosed glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), significant or almost significant associations with survival were found for performance status, upfront resection, O6-methylguanine-DNA methyl-transferase (MGMT) promoter methylation and unifocal GBM. This study aimed to create a survival score based on these factors.

PATIENTS AND METHODS: Most of the 81 patients included received resection of GBM followed by radiochemotherapy (59.4 Gy/33 or 60 Gy/30 fractions). The previously identified predictors of survival were re-evaluated. Factors significantly associated with survival were used for the score.

RESULTS: All factors were significantly associated with survival. For each factor, 0 points (less favorable survival) or 1 point (more favorable survival) were assigned and added for each patient. Three groups were designed, 0-1 (n=10), 2 (n=21) and 3-4 points (n=50); 12-month survival rates were 0%, 38% and 78% (p<0.001).

CONCLUSION: A new survival score was created for patients requiring radiotherapy for GBM that can improve treatment personalization.