Temozolomide with or without Radiotherapy in Patients with Newly Diagnosed Glioblastoma Multiforme: A Meta-Analysis

Background/Aim: The current meta-analysis evaluated the survival outcomes of newly diagnosed glioblastoma patients treated with radiotherapy (RT) alone and with RT + temozolomide (TMZ). Methods: Relevant studies were identified by an extensive literature search in Medline, Current Contents and Cochrane databases by 2 independent reviewers using the terms “glioblastoma multiforme/glioblastoma, TMZ, radiation therapy/RT and survival.” Results: Results revealed a median survival of 13.41-19 months in the combined treatment group, as opposed to 7.7-17.1 months in the RT-alone group. Progression-free survival (PFS) was also significantly different between the 2 groups (RT + TMZ, 6.3-13 months; RT-alone, 5-7.6 months). While there was no significant difference in the 6-month survival and 6-month PFS rates between the RT + TMZ and RT groups (pooled OR 0.690; p = 0.057 and OR 0.429, p = 0.052, respectively), the 1-year survival and 1-year PFS rates showed significant difference (OR 0.469; p = 0.030 and OR 0.245, p < 0.001, respectively). Conclusions: Concomitant RT + TMZ is more effective and improves the overall survival and PFS in patients with newly diagnosed glioblastoma.