Treatment patterns and outcomes for patients with newly diagnosed glioblastoma multiforme: a retrospective cohort study

AIM: Investigate real-world outcomes and healthcare utilization of patients with glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) related to O(6)-methylguanine DNA methyltransferase (MGMT) promoter testing and methylation. PATIENTS & METHODS: US Oncology Network data were analyzed for patients receiving first-line (1L) treatment for GBM. RESULTS: Most patients received 1L radiation with temozolomide. Unadjusted median overall survival (OS) was higher in tested versus untested (median:18.1 vs 11.8 months) and in methylated versus unmethylated (median: 25.5 vs 12.4 months). Untested status, unmethylated MGMT and older age were associated with reduced OS and longer 1L treatment with increased OS. Similar findings were observed for progression-free survival. Utilization was similar between cohorts. CONCLUSION: In community oncology practices, MGMT methylation and testing were predictive of better survival in GBM.