KEY TAKEAWAYS
- The study aimed to assess how early, continuous postoperative rehabilitation during chemoradiotherapy affects function and survival in patients with GBM.
- The results revealed that integrated rehabilitation improves function and survival in patients with GBM, stressing the need for personalized protocols.
Keisuke Natsume and the team aimed to investigate how early and continuous postoperative inpatient rehabilitation during chemoradiotherapy affects functional outcomes and overall survival (OS) in patients with glioblastoma (GBM), with a focus on different age groups and brain cancer.
The study, conducted at a university hospital from 2011 to 2016, included 75 of 119 consecutive patients newly diagnosed with GBM who received standardized treatment and postoperative rehabilitation. Patients were categorized into older (≥ 65 years, n= 45) and younger (<65 years, n= 30) groups and participated in a 50-day rehabilitation program.
Rehabilitation progress, Barthel Index (BI), Brunnstrom Recovery Stage (BRS), adverse events, and OS were assessed. BI at discharge and survival outcomes were analyzed using multivariate and Cox regression models, respectively.
The results showed that the mean age was 72.5 ± 6.3 years in the older group and 52.4 ± 7.8 years in the younger group. Both groups exhibited significant improvements in the BI and BRS.
Although the older group experienced more adverse events, median OS was not significantly different (older group: 18.7 months vs. younger group: 18.3 months, P= 0.87).
Early walking training, reduced fatigue during chemoradiotherapy, and a high Karnofsky Performance Status at admission significantly influenced the BI at discharge. Cox regression analysis identified the BI at discharge as a significant predictor of survival (HR 0.98, 95% CI 0.97–0.99, P= 0.008).
The study concluded that integrated rehabilitation improves function and survival in GBM patients, emphasizing personalized treatment needs.
No funding was provided.
Source: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11060-024-04785-1
Natsume, K., Yoshida, A., Sakakima, H. et al. Age-independent benefits of postoperative rehabilitation during chemoradiotherapy on functional outcomes and survival in patients with glioblastoma. J Neurooncol (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11060-024-04785-1
