Long-term survival in a patient with supratentorial glioblastoma: clinical considerations

Ital J Neurol Sci. 1998 Aug;19(4):221-4. doi: 10.1007/BF02427606.

Abstract

Glioblastoma, a malignant tumor of neuroepithelial origin, is relatively uncommon in childhood, during which it accounts for 7%-9% of brain tumors. A few patients (about 3%) live more than 5 years. We report a 13-year-old girl who was admitted because one month earlier she had begun to present headache and diplopia. Brain computed tomography (CT) showed a right frontal tumor. At operation, complete excision of the visible tumor was performed. Histologic examination showed that the tumor was a glioblastoma multiforme. The patient underwent 52 Gy of external beam radiotherapy to the enhancing tumor mass plus 3-cm border, and chemotherapy with nitrosourea (BCNU). Fourteen years, 9 months later, the patient presents neither neurological deficits nor radiological relapse. We confirm that younger age, the one immutable prognostic factor, supports a particularly aggressive approach to the treatment of glioblastomas.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Brain Neoplasms / pathology
  • Brain Neoplasms / radiotherapy*
  • Brain Neoplasms / surgery*
  • Combined Modality Therapy
  • Disease-Free Survival
  • Female
  • Giant Cells / pathology
  • Glioblastoma / pathology
  • Glioblastoma / radiotherapy*
  • Glioblastoma / surgery*
  • Humans
  • Necrosis
  • Prognosis
  • Treatment Outcome