To evaluate the correlation between incidental subventricular zone (SVZ) irradiation dose and its impact on recurrence and survival in glioblastoma patients, highlighting the significance of this relationship in treatment outcomes.
Key Findings:
Median overall survival (OS) was 13 months and progression-free survival (PFS) was 6.5 months, with statistical significance noted.
Tumors contacting the SVZ were associated with inferior OS (7 vs 15 months; p = 0.044) and shorter PFS.
Higher ipsilateral SVZ dose (≥52.14 Gy) showed a trend toward improved OS among patients with SVZ-contacting tumors (p = 0.04).
Interpretation:
SVZ contact identifies a higher-risk subgroup of GBM patients, and higher incidental irradiation of the ipsilateral SVZ may be associated with improved survival; however, findings are exploratory and should be interpreted with caution.
Limitations:
Small sample size and limited events restrict the robustness of findings, impacting the generalizability of results.
The study's exploratory nature necessitates caution in interpretation.
Conclusion:
Larger prospective studies are required to validate findings before clinical implementation, emphasizing the potential impact on treatment strategies.
