Multiple Surgical Resections for Progressive IDH Wildtype Glioblastoma - is it beneficial?

Purpose: The role of repeat resection for recurrent glioblastoma (rGBM) remains equivocal. This study aims to assess the overall survival and complications rates of single or repeat resection for rGBM. Methods A single centre retrospective review of all patients with IDH-wildtype glioblastoma managed surgically, between January 2014 and January 2022, was carried out. Patient survival and factors influencing prognosis were analysed, using Kaplan–Meier and Cox regression methods. Results 432 patients were included, of whom 329 underwent single resection, 83 had two resections and 20 patients underwent three resections. Median OS (mOS) in the cohort who underwent a single operation was 13.7 months (95% CI:12.7–14.7 months). The mOS was observed to be extended in patients who underwent second or third-time resection, at 22.9 months and 44.7 months respectively (p  95% resection or residual tumour volume of < 2.25cc was significantly associated with prolonged survival. There was no significant difference in overall complication rates between primary versus second (p = 0.973) or third-time resections (p = 0.312). The use of diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) guided resection was associated with reduced post-operative neurological deficit (RR 0.37, p = 0.002), as was use of intraoperative ultrasound (iUSS) (RR 0.45, p = 0.04). Conclusions This study demonstrates potential prolongation of survival for GBM patients undergoing repeat resection, without significant increase in complication rates with repeat resections. Achieving a more complete repeat resection improved survival. Moreover, the use of intraoperative imaging adjuncts can maximise tumour resection, whilst minimising the risk of neurological deficit.