Hypofractionanted radiotherapy as a convenient treatment in high grade astrocytomas

ABSTRACT

In the present study 61 patients with grade III and IV malignant astrocytoma and glioblastoma multiform were randomized into two groups of radiation treatment schedules. Conventional treatment [6000 cGy/30 tt/6 weeks] and hypofractionation treatment [3000 cGy/6tt /3weeks] i.e. 500 cGy per fraction twice weekly by Cobalt 60 machine. Overall response 3 months after treatment were 48.1% in hypofractionation group and 40.7% in conventional group. After 6 months responders were 35.4% versus 36.6% respectively. Early treatment reactions were moderate more in hypofractionation group. Mean time of progression were 10.1 months in hypofractionation versus 9.8 months in conventional treatment. Median survival time were 12 months in hypofractionation versus 9 months in conventional group. Cost of treatment including hospitalization were 690 EP for hypofractionation arm and 1560 E.P for conventional arm. It was concluded that hypofractionation is a simple palliative treatment with comparable results to conventional radiation treatment, save more time [work load], less cost. So, it is a convenient treatment in high grade glioma, where palliation is considered, for patients and physicians as well as treatment place