The use of chemotherapy in patients with gliomas: Patterns of care in Victoria from 1998-2000

Abstract

Chemotherapy has an increasing role in the management of gliomas. In particular, chemotherapy provides survival and quality of life benefits in the setting of recurrent high-grade gliomas and in patients with newly diagnosed glioblastoma multiforme. We have previously reported details on patterns of care regarding 828 patients diagnosed with a glioma in the state of Victoria for the period 1998-2000. We observed that 250 patients (30%) received chemotherapy at some stage of their illness, including neo-adjuvant, adjuvant and recurrent clinical settings. There was significant variation in the agents used and their scheduling. Chemotherapy was given at any time in only 15% of patients aged ove..