Multicentre prospective collection of newly diagnosed glioblastoma patients: update on the Lombardia experience

A prospective collection of newly diagnosed cases of grade IV glioma in Lombardia, Italy, was started in 2003. In the present report, data are shown on 349 adult patients recruited up to 2005. The clinical features, pattern of care and outcome are discussed, together with the main prognostic factors. Males were affected more frequently than women; median age at onset was 60. Overall, gross total tumour resection was performed in roughly 50% of the patients, and partial resection and biopsy in 25% each; only 5 patients did not undergo histology. Adjuvant radiotherapy was delivered to 89% and chemotherapy to 82% of patients. Median survival was of 54 weeks. Most patients received protracted therapy with antiepileptic drugs, despite absence of seizures; over the course of the study, the practice pattern tended to change, shifting to the use of non-enzyme-inducing anti-epileptic drugs.