Work

9: Quality of Life in Elderly/Frail Patients with Glioblastoma Multiforme: Results of a Randomized Phase III Study Comparing Short and Standard Course of Radiotherapy

Year: 2016

Type: article

Abstract: Purpose: A recently published practice-changing multicentre randomized study demonstrated no difference in overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) between a short RT (arm1: 25 Gy in five fractions) and standard RT (arm 2: 40 Gy in 15 fractions) in elderly and/or frail patients with glioblastoma multiforme (GBM).The purpose was to compare study arms for health-related quality of life (HR-QoL).Methods and Materials: EORTC core questionnaire QLQ-C30 and the brain module QLQ-BN20 were used to assess HR-QoL at baseline prior to RT, four weeks after RT completion and every three months thereafter until the disease progression.QoL scores over time were examined using generalized estimating equation adjusting for the treatment arms.Results: Of 98 randomized patients, 96 were eligible for QoL analysis.There was no difference in global QoL/main function scales/symptoms (except for insomnia) between arms.Improvement of global QoL, social and physical function, fatigue and insomnia were observed when comparing baseline to four months post-treatment, but only significant for insomnia, favouring arm 2. Difference of ≥ 10 points from baseline to four months was demonstrated for social function and insomnia (arm 1), physical function (both arms) and fatigue (arm 2).Global QoL at baseline was significantly worse for arm 1, but statistically insignificant at one month and four months post-radiotherapy.Conclusions: There was overall no difference in HR-QoL between the two arms.A trend toward significant difference was seen in social function, insomnia, and global QoL favouring short RT regimen.

Source: Radiotherapy and Oncology

DOI: 10.1016/s0167-8140(16)33408-9