High-dose radiation associated with improved survival in IDH-wildtype low-grade glioma

Chin Neurosurg J. 2021 Apr 1;7(1):22. doi: 10.1186/s41016-021-00239-z.

Abstract

Background: As molecular advances have deepened the knowledge on low-grade glioma (LGG), we investigated the effect of higher radiation dose on the survival of IDH-wildtype (IDHwt) LGG.

Methods: In the current study, 52 IDHwt LGG patients who received radiotherapy were enrolled from the Chinese Glioma Genome Atlas dataset. Radiation doses > 54 Gy were defined as high-dose, whereas doses ≤ 54 Gy were defined as low-dose. We performed univariate and multivariate survival analyses to examine the prognostic role of high-dose radiotherapy.

Results: In total, the radiation dose ranged from 48.6 Gy to 61.2 Gy, with a median of 55.8 Gy, and 31 patients were grouped into high-dose radiation. Univariate survival analysis indicated that high-dose radiotherapy (p = 0.015), tumors located in the frontal lobe (p = 0.009), and pathology of astrocytoma (p = 0.037) were significantly prognostic factors for overall survival. In multivariate survival analysis, high-dose radiotherapy (p = 0.028) and tumors located in the frontal lobe (p = 0.016) were independently associated with better overall survival.

Conclusions: In conclusion, high-dose radiotherapy independently improved the survival of IDHwt LGG. This can guide treatments for glioma with known molecular characteristics.

Keywords: IDH-wildtype; Low-grade glioma; Radiation dose; Survival.