P14.09 INITIAL GLOBAL SYMPTOMS IN GLIOBLASTOMA ARE OFTEN MISINTERPRETED AND ASSOCIATED WITH SHORTER SURVIVAL. (6th September 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Bruhn, H; Dahle, C; Vrethem, M; Henriksson, R; Lindh, J
• Is Part Of: Neuro-oncology. Volume 21(2019)Supplement 3
• Page Start: iii68
• Page End: iii68
• Publication Date: 2019-09-06
• Subjects: Brain Neoplasms -- Periodicals; Brain -- Tumors -- Periodicals; Brain -- Cancer -- Periodicals; Nervous system -- Cancer -- Periodicals; 616.99481
• DOI: 10.1093/neuonc/noz126.245
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1522-8517

Abstract

Abstract: BACKGROUND: A seizure as the only symptom before diagnosing glioblastoma improves survival rate. Apart from seizures, the main presenting symptom of glioma in adults is cognitive dysfunction. The effect of generalized symptoms or loss of function on lead times and survival of glioblastoma has not been studied. Generalized symptoms include cognitive dysfunction, headache, dizziness and fatigue. Loss of function comprise paresis, sensory deficit and speech aberrations. The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of different presenting symptoms regarding health care level, lead times and survival. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Medical case notes regarding 189 consecutive patients with histopathologically verified glioblastoma, were reviewed for information about the date and level of care of the first medical appointment, presenting symptom/s, and date of the diagnostic radiology. The extent of surgery was noted. Data on oncologic treatment was retrieved. Summary statistics were provided for patient demographics and treatment factors. The estimates of overall survival were calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method. Survival time was calculated from the date of radiological diagnosis. RESULTS: The majority of patients (66%) presented with generalized symptoms, which significantly reduced survival compared to not having generalized symptoms (mean survival 10.5 months vs 19.9 months, p=0.001). The most common generalized symptom was cognitive dysfunction which further reduced survival (mean survival 9.0 months, p=0.0001). Among the different cognitive aberrations, personality change and memory impairment were associated with a significantly poorer survival, (mean survival 7.9 months, p=0.015 and 8.0 months p=0.010, respectively). Disorientation also significantly reduced survival (mean survival 8.2 months p=0.001). Presenting with loss of function (58%) did not influence survival (mean survival 12.3 months). 32% of patients with an epileptic seizure as initial symptom had significantly prolonged survival compared to those not having an epileptic seizure (mean 18.9 months vs 11.0 months p=0.002). When comparing focal and secondary generalized epileptic seizures, focal epileptic seizures were more favorable. The first medical appointment was evenly distributed between primary health care and the emergency units. 8.4% of patients had multiple contacts in primary health care without being admitted to radiology or specialized care. All but one of them presented with generalized symptoms. CONCLUSION: Glioblastoma patients presenting with generalized symptoms such as cognitive dysfunction are difficult to identify and have significantly poorer survival than other glioblastoma patients. Patients presenting with an epileptic seizure have shorter leadtime and longer survival.