Quality of Life Analysis in Patients Submitted to Dendritic Cell Vaccination for High Grade Gliomas: Update Report on a Phase II DC Trial

Measuring quality of life (QoL) in patients with high-grade central nervous system (CNS) malignancies is crucial, as these patients often endure severe physical, cognitive, and emotional challenges that significantly impact their overall well-being. Understanding and improving QoL is essential for guiding treatment strategies that not only extend survival but also enhance daily functioning and patient satisfaction. This manuscript details a phase II trial investigating the effects of allogeneic dendritic cell (DC) vaccination in patients with recurrent glioblastoma (IDH-1 wild type) and grade 4 astrocytoma (IDH-1 mutated). Among the 37 participants enrolled, comprehensive quality of life data were analyzed for 20 patients. The results revealed a significant survival benefit, with median survival extended by 75% in the vaccinated glioblastoma group and by 200% in the astrocytoma group, compared with controls in the GDC database. Quality of life evaluations using validated instruments, including the EORTC QLQ-C30, FACT-Br, and MDASI, indicated marked improvements across multiple domains, such as general health, physical, emotional, cognitive, and social functioning, along with a reduction in symptom severity. These findings highlight the potential of DC vaccination to not only prolong survival but also enhance the overall quality of life for patients with high-grade CNS malignancies.