Hyperfractionated radiation therapy for incompletely resected supratentorial low-grade glioma: A 10-year update of a phase II study

Purpose: To provide a 10-year update of hyperfractionated radiation therapy (Hfx RT) in adults with incompletely resected supratentorial low-grade glioma. Methods and Materials: A total of 37 patients were treated with 55 Gy in 50 fractions in 25 treatment days in 5 weeks to tumor plus 2 cm, and additional 17.6 Gy given in 16 fractions in 8 treatment days in 1.5 weeks to tumor plus 1 cm, (1.1 Gy twice daily). Total dose was 72.6 Gy in 66 fractions in 33 treatment days in 6.5 weeks. Results: After a median follow-up time of 121 months for all patients, the median survival time (MST) for all 37 patients was 145 months, whereas 10-year survival rate was 67%. Median time to tumor progression (MTP) has not yet been attained, but 10-year progression-free survival (PFS) rate was 62%. There was no difference in survival or PFS regarding gender, age, location, site, size, CT enhancement, and histology; whereas lower KPS, higher neurologic status, and lesser extent of surgery had an adverse influence. Infield progression occurred in 15 (88%), whereas in only 2 (12%) patients, tumor progression was described as marginal. Brain necrosis has not been observed so far. Autopsy findings confirmed recurrent glioma and excluded post-RT necrosis in 14 (38%) patients. Of those, 7 (50%) patients had either Grade 3 (n = 4) or Grade 4 (n = 3) glioma. Conclusion: High-dose HFX RT is effective with mild to moderate toxicity. Further studies are warranted with more patients before testing it against standard fractionation RT in this patient population. (C) 2003 Elsevier Inc.