Influence of partial resection on survival in glioblastoma: a case report

Abstract

Glioblastoma, known for its aggressive behavior and poor prognosis, presents a formidable challenge in the realm of neuro-oncology. The conventional treatment paradigm for glioblastoma typically involves maximal safe surgical resection followed by adjuvant chemotherapy and radiation therapy, with the overarching goal of prolonging survival and mitigating symptom burden. Despite the concerted efforts directed towards these therapeutic modalities, the overall prognosis for glioblastoma patients remains dismal, particularly in cases where only partial tumor resection can be achieved. This case study seeks to explore the impact of partial resection on survival outcomes in individuals diagnosed with glioblastoma. A 44-year-old male presented with a constellation of symptoms including impaired speech, recurrent headaches, weekly seizures, and left-sided weakness. Due to the tumor’s location near the motor strip, which posed a significant risk for neurological deficits, a decision was made to pursue partial resection, resulting in the removal of approximately 74 % of the tumor mass. Subsequent to the surgical intervention, the patient underwent a six-week course of chemotherapy utilizing temozolomide (75 mg/m2), albeit without adjunctive radiation therapy. Notably, the patient experienced improvement in symptomatology following the completion of therapy and demonstrated a survival duration of five months post-diagnosis.This case serves to underscore the potential therapeutic utility of partial resection as a viable treatment approach for glioblastoma, particularly in scenarios where achieving total tumor excision is deemed unattainable due to critical anatomical considerations. Furthermore, it underscores the imperative of individualized treatment strategies tailored to each patient’s unique clinical circumstances. Moreover, it emphasizes the critical need for ongoing research endeavors aimed at refining treatment approaches and improving outcomes for glioblastoma patients, particularly those with unfavorable prognostic profiles.