Patterns of Care After Surgery for Elderly Patients With Malignant Brain Tumors: Data from the National Health Insurance Service in South Korea

BACKGROUND/AIM: To analyze patterns of care and overall survival for elderly patients with malignant brain tumors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The database from the National Health Insurance Service was searched January 2008-December 2016. A total of 1,607 patients aged 65-year-old or more with malignant brain tumors who underwent surgery or biopsy were extracted. Treatment performed in 180 days after surgery was divided into no treatment (N=522), radiotherapy (RT) (N=351), chemotherapy (N=69), and chemotherapy plus RT (N=665). Survival was recorded at 3, 6, 9, 12, 18, and 24 months after surgery. RESULTS: Patients were divided into groups by age: 65-69, 70-74, 75-79, and ≥80 years. Chemotherapy plus RT was most commonly used in all age groups except those aged 80 years and more. Treatment modality after surgery or biopsy was significantly prognostic (p<0.001) in univariate analysis. CONCLUSION: Adjuvant treatment can be recommended for elderly patients with malignant brain tumors based on data from the National Health Insurance Service.