Abstract

Background
Concurrent Temozolomide (TMZ) and radiotherapy (RT) for 6 weeks followed by adjuvant TMZ for 6 months has improved survival significantly in glioblastoma. However, many patients fail to finish treatment due to thrombocytopenia and the impact of sub-optimal treatment upon survival, previously unknown, is being investigated here.

Aim
A review of patients receiving RT/TMZ and adjuvant TMZ between June 2004 and June 2008 to assess the incidence and duration of thrombocytopenia and its effect on median survival (MS).

Method
Patients were identified from electronic patient records, via nurse specialists and multidisciplinary co-ordinators and data extracted from case notes.