Neurocognitive and sociodemographic functioning of glioblastoma long-term survivors

An increasing number of patients with glioblastoma multiforme live longer than 3 years after diagnosis (long-term survivors). Even so, little is known about their everyday performance and quality of life. We studied 17 glioblastoma patients surviving for longer than 3 years. We assessed all patients using the computerized neurocognitive assessment instrument NeuroCog FX test, the EORTC QLQ-C30, the EORTC QLQ-BN20, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, the Ten-Meter Walking Test, the Nine Hole Peg Test, the Boston Aphasia Severity Scale, and the Activities of Daily Living and Instrumental Activities of Daily Living forms. We included 9 female and 8 male glioblastoma long-term survivors with a median age of 51 years (24–71). The majority of the patients (10/17) scored normal in the NeuroCog FX test. However, financial difficulties, reduced social and cognitive functioning, and future uncertainty were frequently reported. Three patients showed conspicuous depression scores, two had noticeable anxiety results. Drowsiness and fatigue were the most often reported physical complaints. There were 12/17 patients who were fully independent concerning activities of daily living and 14 patients (82%) showed ≥90 points in the Barthel Index, but 6 patients (35%) were impaired in their manual dexterity, and 1 patient in mobility. Glioblastoma long-term survivors show moderate impairment in their cognitive functions and more often neurological symptoms. However, the majority of these patients are able to manage their daily routine independently. Nevertheless, future prospects remain poor and patients suffer from financial difficulties.