Evaluation of factors associated with survival of patients with glioblastoma multiform: a 10-year retrospective study in Kermanshah

Glioblastoma multiform (GBM) is a highly malignant and aggressive primary brain tumor in adults, associated with a poor prognosis and short life expectancy following diagnosis. This 10-year retrospective study aimed to identify factors influencing the survival of patients with GBM in Kermanshah.

A retrospective cohort study was conducted, involving patients diagnosed with GBM who underwent surgery at Kermanshah's educational hospitals between 2008 and 2018. Demographic, clinical, and pathological variables were collected using a checklist extracted from patients' medical records. Patients were followed from the time of surgery until death. Data analysis was performed using Stata 14 software, employing the Cox regression model to assess factors influencing patient survival (p<0.05 considered significant).

A total of 153 patients with GBM were diagnosed during the 10-year period. The mean age of the subjects was 56.32 ± 9.22 years, with 60.8% being male. The average overall survival duration was 18.13 ± 6.84 months. Multivariable Cox regression analysis revealed that age, sex, tumor location, size of necrosis, extent of tumor removal during surgery, and reoperation in recurrence were not significant predictors of survival (p>0.05). However, tumor type, tumor pathology, and temozolomide (TMZ) consumption emerged as the most important factors associated with survival in these patients (p<0.05).

This study highlights tumor type, tumor pathology, and TMZ usage as critical factors influencing the survival of patients with GBM. Considering these factors can greatly contribute to the improved management of GBM patients.