THE INFLUENCE OF VOLUMETRIC TUMOR DOUBLING TIME ON SURVIVAL OF PATIENTS WITH INTRACRANIAL TUMORS

Abstract

Objective:To evaluate inuence of volumetric tumor doubling time on survival of patients with intracranial tumors. Study design: 20 patients with intracranial tumor of either sex and any age were included, if two imaging scans were available/could be done in which change in tomor volume was appreciable and the tumor margins were well demarcated. Based on change in tumor volume, tumor doubling time (DT) and predictive survival time (PST) were calculated. Patients were followed up for 6 months or longer for actual survival time (AST). Results: The histological grade was found to have a signicant correlation with DT (P value 0.046) and PST of the tumor (P value 0.038). DT and PSTwere found to be signicantly lower in high grade astrocytomas. Age, gender, tumor location and initial tumor volume were not found to have a signicant correlation with DTand PST. When DTwas compared to PST, excellent correlation was seen which was statistically signicant (Pvalue < 0.001) and suggested a linear relationship. Conclusion: Computed Tomography (CT) & Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) can accurately dene the intracranial tumors and can reliably measure their volume. Calculation of tumor volume, change in tumor volume, DT and PST based on imaging studies is easy and reproducible. DT and PST have an excellent correlation & there is a linear relationship between the two. Histological grade and DT are the signicant prognostic factors while age, gender, tumor location and initial tumor volume are not signicant prognostic factors in patients with brain tumors.