Minimizing the uncertainties regarding the effects of delaying radiotherapy for Glioblastoma: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background And Purpose: Previous studies have provided no clear conclusions regarding the effects of delaying radiotherapy (RT) in GBM patients. We present a systematic review and meta-analysis to address the effect of delayed RT on the overall survival (OS) of GBM patients.

Methods: A systematic search retrieved 19 retrospective studies published between 1975 and 2014 reporting on the waiting time (WT) to RT for GBM patients.

Clinical features and overall survival among elderly cancer patients in a tertiary cancer center.

Objective: To evaluate the epidemiological profile and overall survival of a large population of elderly individuals diagnosed with solid tumors in a tertiary hospital.

Methods: This retrospective study included patients aged >65 years, diagnosed with solid tumors between January 2007 and December 2011, at Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein, São Paulo, Brazil. The medical records were reviewed to obtain information about clinical variables and overall survival.

Waiting time to radiotherapy as a prognostic factor for glioblastoma patients in a scenario of medical disparities.

Objective: To evaluate the effect of waiting time (WT) to radiotherapy (RT) on overall survival (OS) of glioblastoma (GBM) patients as a reliable prognostic variable in Brazil, a scenario of medical disparities.

Method: Retrospective study of 115 GBM patients from two different health-care institutions (one public and one private) in Brazil who underwent post-operative RT.

Results: Median WT to RT was 6 weeks (range, 1.

Prevalence of renal insufficiency in elderly cancer patients in a tertiary cancer center.

Objective: To estimate the prevalence of abnormal glomerular filtration rate in elderly patients with solid tumors.

Methods: A retrospective study with patients aged >65 years diagnosed with solid tumors between January 2007 and December 2011 in a cancer center. The following data were collected: sex, age, serum creatinine at the time of diagnosis and type of tumor.

Patterns of care and outcomes in elderly patients with glioblastoma in Sao Paulo, Brazil: a retrospective study.

Objective: To analyze how elderly patients with glioblastoma are managed in Brazil.

Material And Methods: We identified 30 patients aged ≥ 65 years treated between 2003 and 2011 at Albert Einstein Hospital in Sao Paulo. We retrospectively reviewed medical records to obtain data on clinical variables, treatment and outcomes.

Initial care and outcome of glioblastoma multiforme patients in 2 diverse health care scenarios in Brazil: does public versus private health care matter?

Background: The aim of this study was to describe the epidemiological and survival features of patients with glioblastoma multiforme treated in 2 health care scenarios--public and private--in Brazil.

Methods: We retrospectively analyzed clinical, treatment, and outcome characteristics of glioblastoma multiforme patients from 2003 to 2011 at 2 institutions.

Results: The median age of the 171 patients (117 public and 54 private) was 59.

Treatment of breast cancer patients from a public healthcare system in a private center: costs of care for a pilot public-private partnership in oncology.

Objective: To describe the flow and costs associated with the diagnosis and treatment of patients with breast cancer who come from the public healthcare system and were treated at Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein.

Methods: Between August 2009, and December 2011, 51 patients referred by the Unified Public Healthcare System (SUS) had access to Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein for diagnostic radiology, medical oncology, radiotherapy, and oncologic/breast reconstruction surgery. The data were collected retrospectively from the hospital records, patient charts, pharmacy records, and from the hospital billing system.

Treatment of a frail older patient with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma on maintenance dialysis: attenuated immunochemotherapy and adapted care plan.

Purpose Of The Study: Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is the most common lymphoid malignancy worldwide. Its incidence increases with age and about 40% of cases occur in patients over 70 years. Herein, we describe a case of a frail elderly patient with renal insufficiency and DLBCL treated with R-mini-CHOP.

Glioblastoma: approach to treat elderly patients.

Treating elderly cancer patients is a challenge for oncologists, especially considering the several therapeutic modalities in glioblastoma. Extensive tumor resection offers the best chance of local control. Adequate radiotherapy should always be given to elderly patients if they have undergone gross total resection and have maintained a good performance status.