Consultation with a neurosurgeon upon initial medical assessment is associated with improved prognosis of glioblastoma patients

Abstract Purpose: The neurological status of glioblastoma (GBM) patients rapidly deteriorates. We recently demonstrated that early diagnosis and surgery within three weeks from the initial symptoms are associated with improved survival. While GBM is a semi-urgent disease, the prehospital behaviors and clinical outcomes of GBM patients are poorly understood. We aimed to disclose how prehospital patient behavior influences the clinical outcomes of GBM patients. Methods: IDH-wildtype GBM patients treated at our institution between January 2010 and December 2019 were reviewed. Patients were divided into two groups: neurosurgeon and non-neurosurgeon groups, based on the primary doctor whom patients sought for an initial evaluation. Patient demographics and prognoses were examined. Results: Of 170 patients, 109 and 61 were classified into the neurosurgeon and non-neurosurgeon groups, respectively. The median age of neurosurgeon group was significantly younger than the non-neurosurgeon group (61 vs. 69 years old, P = 0.019) and in better performance status (preoperative KPS scores ≥ 80: 72.5% vs. 55.7%, P = 0.027). The neurosurgeon group exhibited a significantly shorter duration from the first hospital visit to the first surgery than the non-neurosurgeon group (18 vs. 29 days, P < 0.0001). Furthermore, the overall survival of the neurosurgeon group was significantly more prolonged than that of the non-neurosurgeon group (22.9 vs. 14.0 months, P = 0.038). Conclusion: Seeking an initial evaluation by a neurosurgeon was associated with prolonged survival in GBM patients. A short duration from the first hospital visit to the first surgery is essential in enhancing GBM patient prognosis.