Prognostic Factors of Gliosarcoma in the Real World: A Retrospective Cohort Study

Abstract

Introduction: Gliosarcoma is a histopathological variant of glioblastoma, which is characterized by a biphasic growth pattern consisting of glial and sarcoma components. Owing to its scarcity, data regarding the impact of available treatments on the clinical outcomes of gliosarcoma are inadequate. The purpose of this retrospective cohort study was to analyze the prognostic factors of gliosarcoma. Methods By screening the clinical database of neurosurgical cases at a single center, patients with gliosarcoma diagnosed histologically from 2015 to 2021 were identified. Clinical, pathological and molecular data were gathered founded on medical records and follow-up interviews. Prognostic factors were derived using Cox proportional hazards model with backward stepwise regression analysis. Results Forty-five GSM patients were included. Median overall survival was 20.6 months (95%CI 5.8 – 35.3), and median relapse free survival was 15.2 months (95%CI 6.1 – 24.3). In multivariable analysis, total resection (p = 0.029, HR = 0.198, 95%CI 0.046 – 0.849) indicated an improved prognosis. And low expression of Ki-67 (p = 0.067, HR = 2.813, 95%CI 0.930 – 8.506) would be likely to show statistical significance. However, there might be no statistically significant survival benefit from radiotherapy (n = 33, 75%, log-rank p = 0.92), adjuvant temozolomide (n = 33, 73.3%, log-rank p = 0.78) or concurrent temozolomide (n = 36, 80%, log-rank p = 0.79). Conclusion This retrospective study with a limited cohort size has demonstrated the treatment of gross total resection and low expression of Ki-67 are beneficial for patients with GSM, while radiotherapy or temozolomide is not.