Current strategies for the treatment of malignant gliomas – experience of the Department of Neurosurgery, Brodno Masovian Hospital in Warsaw

Abstract

Introduction: Malignant gliomas (HGG) are the most common primary malignant brain tumors arising from glial cells. Between HGG, glioblastoma is the most common and the most malignant histological subtype with only a 27% 2-year survival rate. Current standard medical treatment of malignant gliomas is still not satisfactory, and may need some development and modification. We presented and discussed the achievements of the Department of Neurosurgery at Brodno Masovian Hospital in the treatment of malignant gliomas. Material and methods: We step by step presented and discussed the policy in the treatment of malignant gliomas. We showed all steps starting from preparation of surgery (eg. neuroimaging) and finishing on the presentation the development of perioperative management – from intraoperative electrical stimulation mapping and monitoring which is nowadays already standard method to convection-enhanced delivery (CED) and gamma knife (GK) which are new and promising methods in the treatment of glioblastoma. Results: All surgical methods described in this manuscript were introduced to achieve maximal and safe resection of malignant glioma. CED and GK are the last resort methods for patients with recurrent HGG. Discussion: Department of Neurosurgery at Brodno Masovian Hospital deal with all types of brain tumors, including all types of high grade gliomas. As the first Department in Europe with close cooperation with the Department of Neurosurgery in San Francisco, we have started local infusions of drugs directly to the tumor in the real time of magnetic field, and we think that technology may change all approaches to the treatment of high grade gliomas.