Radiotherapy for Newly Diagnosed Glioblastoma in the Elderly: What Is the Standard?
10.14791/btrt.2022.10.e34
- Author:
Chan Woo WEE
1
Author Information
1. Department of Radiation Oncology, Seoul Metropolitan Government-Seoul National University Boramae Medical Center, Seoul, Korea
- Publication Type:REVIEW ARTICLE
- From:Brain Tumor Research and Treatment
2022;10(1):12-21
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Nearly half of the patients with newly diagnosed glioblastomas are aged ≥65 years. Unfortunately, these elderly patients with glioblastoma (GBM-e) demonstrate detrimental survival. However, the optimal treatment for GBM-e after surgery remains controversial. Conventionally fractionated radiotherapy (CFRT) of 60 Gy, hypofractionated radiotherapy (HFRT), temozolomide (TMZ), or a combination of these treatments with or without tumor treating fields can be considered. Although evidence has indicated a non-inferiority of HFRT compared to CFRT in GBM-e treated with radiotherapy (RT) alone throughout the past, the optimal RT scheme (CFRT vs. HFRT), when combined with TMZ, has never been investigated in a prospective randomized fashion for GBM-e patients suitable for radiochemotherapy. Several other issues make the treatment of GBM-e even more challenging. In this review, current evidence regarding RT in GBM-e, as well as issues that need to be addressed, is discussed.
