Biopsy Versus Resection in Elderly Glioblastoma Patients. A Prospective Cohort Study.

Launched by ERASMUS MEDICAL CENTER · Nov 29, 2022

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying the best surgical approach for elderly patients diagnosed with glioblastoma, a type of brain tumor. Specifically, it aims to find out whether a biopsy (taking a small sample of the tumor) or a resection (removing the tumor) is more beneficial for patients aged 70 and older. Eligible participants will have a clear diagnosis of glioblastoma based on imaging tests and will be able to provide consent for the study. Together with their doctors, patients will decide on the type of surgery they will undergo.

After the surgery, participants will be followed for one year to see how their quality of life and survival are affected. They will complete questionnaires and undergo neurological tests at several points during this year to assess their health and cognitive abilities. Additionally, all patients will receive standard treatments following their surgery. It’s important to note that those with certain types of brain tumors or who cannot undergo MRI tests will not be included in this study. The trial will last four years in total, with three years dedicated to recruiting participants and one year for follow-up.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • 1. Age ≥70 years
• • 2. Tumor diagnosed as glioblastoma on MRI with distinct ring-like pattern of contrast enhancement with thick irregular walls and a core area reduced signal suggestive of tumor necrosis as assessed by the surgeon.
• • 3. Karnofsky Performance Score (KPS) ≥70
• • 4. Written Informed consent
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • 1. Tumors of the cerebellum, brain stem or midline
• • 2. Multifocal contrast enhancing lesions
• • 3. Substantial non-contrast enhancing tumor areas suggesting low grade gliomas with malignant transformation
• • 4. Medical reasons precluding MRI (e.g. pacemaker)
• • 5. Inability to give consent as assessed by neurosurgeon (e.g. language barrier)
• • 6. Severe aphasia prohibiting neurolinguistic testing and comprehension of informed consent
• • 7. Previous brain tumor surgery
• • 8. Previous low-grade glioma
• • 9. Second primary malignancy within the past 5 years with the exception of adequately treated in situ carcinoma of any organ or basal cell carcinoma of the skin.