Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM) represents the most common and lethal malignancy of the central nervous system and recent data suggest that the MGMT promoter methylation status and the IDH1 mutation status correlate with survival outcomes. No data exist on the prevalence or prognostic significance of these mutations in patients from the Middle East.

The first objective of this project is to study the prevalence of the MGMT promoter methylation and the IDH1 mutation in Lebanese patients with GBM. The second objective is to study the correlation of the MGMT status with survival outcomes. We hypothesize that patients with GBM tumors coupled with   methylated MGMT have better responses to chemoradiation than those with unmethylated MGMT, leading to improved survival outcomes. In addition, we also predict better outcomes in patients with IDH1 mutation.

This is a retrospective observational study, involving patients treated at AUBMC from January of 2003 (the year when Temozolamide started being used) until December of 2013. Eligible patients include patients with a histologically proven GBM, treated with surgical resection of the tumor or with biopsy of the mass, followed by concurrent chemoradiation. Patients with poor performance status at diagnosis, patients with inadequate baseline hematological, renal or hepatic function tests will be excluded.

We estimate around 120 eligible patients during this period (available surgical specimens and treated with concurrent chemoradiation).

Eligible patients will be identified from the hospital’s medical records. Demographic, baseline clinical, as well as follow up data will be collected from charts located in the medical records and private clinics.