The Longevity of Patients with Glioblastoma Multiforme

Abstract

A series of 70 verified cases of glioblastoma multiforme is discussed. There was an interesting and unexplained sex difference in the incidence of these tumors, the proportion of males to females being 1.8:1. The avg. duration of life after the 1st symptom was 17 months, the median survival period being 8.3 mos. Five patients survived 6 yrs. or longer, the longest being 14 yrs. Operation had no significant effect on longevity, irradiation a slight effect, if any. The sex of the patient, the location of the neoplasm, or the histolog-ical appearance gave no indication as to longevity. The possibility is considered that, in certain cases, an originally benign tumor becomes malignant and is seen as a glioblastoma multiforme at autopsy.