10024-CS-5 Investigation of Glioblastoma Management in a Community-Based General Hospital”

Abstract Purpose Glioblastoma is a rapidly progressing malignancy, and earlier treatment initiation is linked to better outcomes. Prior studies have reported that surgery within three weeks of symptom onset is associated with improved prognosis. Regional general hospitals often lack the equipment and staffing found in university hospitals. At our facility, we rent an intraoperative navigation system as needed, and radiation therapy is provided by visiting physicians three times per week. This study aimed to evaluate whether standard glioblastoma treatment can be delivered in a regional hospital by examining time intervals from symptom onset to consultation, imaging, surgery, and the start of radiation therapy. Subjects and Methods We retrospectively analyzed data from patients with primary glioblastoma treated at our hospital between 2021 and 2025. Variables included age, sex, symptom onset date, consultation date, first imaging date, surgery date, radiation therapy initiation date, KPS at admission, and survival time. Key outcome measures were the intervals from symptom onset to surgery, onset to first imaging, consultation to surgery, and surgery to radiation therapy. Results Seven patients were included. The median age was 70 years (IQR: 55-80), and the median KPS at presentation was 80 (IQR: 60-80). Median intervals were 34 days (IQR: 32-54) from symptom onset to surgery, 7 days (IQR: 0-10) to initial consultation, 22 days (IQR: 18-24) from consultation to surgery, and 17 days (IQR: 15-20) from surgery to radiation therapy initiation. Conclusion Despite limited resources, our hospital achieved treatment intervals comparable to those of larger institutions. This suggests that, with efficient use of equipment and staffing, standard glioblastoma care can be effectively delivered in regional general hospitals.