Question: Should patients with previously diagnosed malignant glioma who are suspected of experiencing progression of the neoplasm process undergo repeat open surgical resection?
Target population: These recommendations apply to adults with previously diagnosed malignant glioma who are suspected of experiencing progression of the neoplastic process and are amenable to surgical resection.
Recommendations level ii: Repeat cytoreductive surgery is recommended in symptomatic patients with locally recurrent or progressive malignant glioma. The median survival in these patient diagnosed with glioblastoma is expected to range from 6 to 17 months following a second procedure. It is recommended that the following preoperative factors be considered when evaluating a patient for repeat operation: location of recurrence in eloquent/critical brain regions, Karnofsky Performance Status and tumor volume.