Radiation therapy can enhance survival rates in elderly brain cancer patients

Elderly patients with Glioblastoma (primary brain tumours) and good baseline performance status had similar survival outcomes to younger patients when treated with the Stupp protocol according to data1 presented at the 70th Annual Scientific Meeting of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Radiologists (RANZCR) in Auckland today.

The analysis suggested that patients aged over 65 years who are functioning well following surgery may be better served with the same treatment used in younger patients aged under 65 years, as opposed to a more conservative approach. This is known as the Stupp protocol.

The Stupp protocol consists of radiation therapy and concomitant chemotherapy to treat specific brain tumours called glioblastoma (GBM), but due to its intensity, is usually only an option for younger patients.

Lead researcher Dr Brendan Liu said: “We found that when stratified for performance status elderly patients had similar survival outcomes compared with the younger cohort, without a significant increase in side effects or impact on quality of life.
“This suggests that elderly patients who managed well following the initial diagnosis and surgical procedure may benefit from a longer course of combined radiation therapy and concomitant chemotherapy, which can provide better prognosis and survival outcomes for the patient.”

For more information on the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Radiologists’ 70th Annual Scientific Meeting or to review the program visit http://www.ranzcr2019.com