Der Nervenarzt
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[The value of stereotactic biopsy and percutaneous radiation in therapy of glioblastoma multiforme].
The concept of cytoreductive surgery in the treatment of glioblastoma multiforme is controversial. A retrospective study was carried out between 1986 and 1991 to analyze the results of stereotactic biopsy followed by supportive treatment (n = 49), incomplete radiation therapy (less than 40 Gy, n = 26), and complete radiation therapy (greater than or equal to 40 Gy, n = 58) and to compare with those of resection plus irradiation described in the literature. The patients treated with supportive care and an incomplete course of irradiation had a median survival of less than 8 weeks. ⋯ This would appear to cast doubt on the concept of cytoreductive surgery. The treatment of choice for patients with glioblastoma multiforme is at present radiation therapy. There is no question about the necessity of decompressive surgery whenever it is required to perform radiation therapy for severe space-occupying lesions and when it can be performed without causing new neurological deficits.