Brain astrocytomas: a study of epidemiological finding, treatment results and prognostic factors in Tehran cancer institute's radiotherapy patients

ABSTRACT

Astrocytomas, including glioblastoma muttiforme [GBM], are the most common brain tumors. Post-operative radiotherapy plays an important role in their treatment. Records of all patients with a pathologic diagnosis of astrocytoma referred for radiotherapy from 1987-1992 were reviewed and prognostic factors with regard to recurrences were analyzed. During the study period, 162 astrocytoma patients were treated by radiation in our department. Male to female ratio was 1.41. The disease was most prevalent in the 3rd and 4th decades of life. Most tumors were in cerebral hemispheres and grade IV. In nearly all patients only CT scan had been used for diagnosis, and total resection had been performed. Radiation dose was mostly 5,000-5,500 cGy by standard fractionation. Follow-up was available for 91 patients, and in these patients CCNU [lomustine] chemotherapy was prescribed for high-grade tumors. Three-year local control was 77%. Grade, extent of surgery, and use of CCNU were statistically significant as prognostic factors. Also 4 GBM long-term survivors were found. Treatment of brain astrocytomas by radiation in our department was concluded to be reasonably successful