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Waqar M, Trifiletti DM, McBain C, O'Connor J, Coope DJ, Akkari L, Quinones-Hinojosa A, Borst GR. Early Therapeutic Interventions for Newly Diagnosed Glioblastoma: Rationale and Review of the Literature. Curr Oncol Rep 2022; 24:311-324. [PMID: 35119629 PMCID: PMC8885508 DOI: 10.1007/s11912-021-01157-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Glioblastoma is the commonest primary brain cancer in adults whose outcomes are amongst the worst of any cancer. The current treatment pathway comprises surgery and postoperative chemoradiotherapy though unresectable diffusely infiltrative tumour cells remain untreated for several weeks post-diagnosis. Intratumoural heterogeneity combined with increased hypoxia in the postoperative tumour microenvironment potentially decreases the efficacy of adjuvant interventions and fails to prevent early postoperative regrowth, called rapid early progression (REP). In this review, we discuss the clinical implications and biological foundations of post-surgery REP. Subsequently, clinical interventions potentially targeting this phenomenon are reviewed systematically. RECENT FINDINGS Early interventions include early systemic chemotherapy, neoadjuvant immunotherapy, local therapies delivered during surgery (including Gliadel wafers, nanoparticles and stem cell therapy) and several radiotherapy techniques. We critically appraise and compare these strategies in terms of their efficacy, toxicity, challenges and potential to prolong survival. Finally, we discuss the most promising strategies that could benefit future glioblastoma patients. There is biological rationale to suggest that early interventions could improve the outcome of glioblastoma patients and they should be investigated in future trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mueez Waqar
- Department of Academic Neurological Surgery, Geoffrey Jefferson Brain Research Centre, Salford Royal Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
- Division of Cancer Sciences, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health and Manchester Cancer Research Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Daniel M Trifiletti
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Mayo Clinic Florida, 4500 San Pablo Road S, Mayo 1N, Jacksonville, FL, 32224, USA
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, USA
| | - Catherine McBain
- Department of Radiotherapy Related Research, The Christie NHS Foundation Trust, Dept 58, Floor 2a, Room 21-2-13, Wilmslow Road, Manchester, M20 4BX, UK
| | - James O'Connor
- Department of Radiotherapy Related Research, The Christie NHS Foundation Trust, Dept 58, Floor 2a, Room 21-2-13, Wilmslow Road, Manchester, M20 4BX, UK
| | - David J Coope
- Department of Academic Neurological Surgery, Geoffrey Jefferson Brain Research Centre, Salford Royal Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
- Division of Cancer Sciences, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health and Manchester Cancer Research Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Leila Akkari
- Division of Tumour Biology and Immunology, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Oncode Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Alfredo Quinones-Hinojosa
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Mayo Clinic Florida, 4500 San Pablo Road S, Mayo 1N, Jacksonville, FL, 32224, USA
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, USA
| | - Gerben R Borst
- Division of Cancer Sciences, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health and Manchester Cancer Research Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK.
- Department of Radiotherapy Related Research, The Christie NHS Foundation Trust, Dept 58, Floor 2a, Room 21-2-13, Wilmslow Road, Manchester, M20 4BX, UK.
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Abbassy M, Missios S, Barnett GH, Brewer C, Peereboom DM, Ahluwalia M, Neyman G, Chao ST, Suh JH, Vogelbaum MA. Phase I Trial of Radiosurgery Dose Escalation Plus Bevacizumab in Patients With Recurrent/Progressive Glioblastoma. Neurosurgery 2019; 83:385-392. [PMID: 28973311 DOI: 10.1093/neuros/nyx369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2017] [Accepted: 06/25/2017] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The effectiveness of stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) for recurrent glioblastoma (rGBM) remains uncertain. SRS has been associated with a high risk of radionecrosis in gliomas. OBJECTIVE To determine the safety of dose escalation of single-fraction radiosurgery for rGBM in the setting of bevacizumab therapy. METHODS We conducted a prospective trial to determine the safety and synergistic benefit of higher doses of SRS administered with bevacizumab for rGBM. A single dose of bevacizumab was given prior to SRS and continued until progression. Dose-limiting toxicity was evaluated in successive cohorts of 3 patients. RESULTS Seven males and 2 females entered the study. The maximum linear diameter of the enhancing tumor was 2.58 cm (2.04-3.09). Prescription dose was escalated from 18 to 22 Gy. The radiosurgery target was chosen before the first dose of bevacizumab, about 1 wk prior to SRS treatment. Pre-SRS bevacizumab treatment was associated with a reduction of the mean volume of the enhancing lesion from 4.7 to 2.86 cm3 on the day of SRS (P = .103). No patient developed an acute side effect related to SRS treatment. The combination of SRS and bevacizumab resulted in a partial response in 3 patients and stable disease in 6 patients. Median progression-free and overall survival were 7.5 and 13 mo, respectively. CONCLUSION A single dose of bevacizumab prior to SRS permitted safe prescription dose escalation up to 22 Gy for rGBM. Further evaluation of the efficacy of SRS for rGBM should be performed in the setting of bevacizumab treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahmoud Abbassy
- Rose Ella Burkhardt Brain Tumor and Neuro-Oncology Center, Department of Neurosurgery, Neurological Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio.,Department of Neurosurgery, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Symeon Missios
- Rose Ella Burkhardt Brain Tumor and Neuro-Oncology Center, Department of Neurosurgery, Neurological Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Gene H Barnett
- Rose Ella Burkhardt Brain Tumor and Neuro-Oncology Center, Department of Neurosurgery, Neurological Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Cathy Brewer
- Rose Ella Burkhardt Brain Tumor and Neuro-Oncology Center, Department of Neurosurgery, Neurological Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - David M Peereboom
- Rose Ella Burkhardt Brain Tumor and Neuro-Oncology Center, Department of Neurosurgery, Neurological Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio.,Department of Hematology and Oncology, Taussig Cancer Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Manmeet Ahluwalia
- Rose Ella Burkhardt Brain Tumor and Neuro-Oncology Center, Department of Neurosurgery, Neurological Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio.,Department of Hematology and Oncology, Taussig Cancer Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Gennady Neyman
- Rose Ella Burkhardt Brain Tumor and Neuro-Oncology Center, Department of Neurosurgery, Neurological Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio.,Department of Radiation Oncology, Taussig Cancer Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Samuel T Chao
- Rose Ella Burkhardt Brain Tumor and Neuro-Oncology Center, Department of Neurosurgery, Neurological Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio.,Department of Radiation Oncology, Taussig Cancer Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - John H Suh
- Rose Ella Burkhardt Brain Tumor and Neuro-Oncology Center, Department of Neurosurgery, Neurological Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio.,Department of Radiation Oncology, Taussig Cancer Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Michael A Vogelbaum
- Rose Ella Burkhardt Brain Tumor and Neuro-Oncology Center, Department of Neurosurgery, Neurological Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio
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Brown TJ, Bota DA, van Den Bent MJ, Brown PD, Maher E, Aregawi D, Liau LM, Buckner JC, Weller M, Berger MS, Glantz M. Management of low-grade glioma: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Neurooncol Pract 2018; 6:249-258. [PMID: 31386075 DOI: 10.1093/nop/npy034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Optimum management of low-grade gliomas remains controversial, and widespread practice variation exists. This evidence-based meta-analysis evaluates the association of extent of resection, radiation, and chemotherapy with mortality and progression-free survival at 2, 5, and 10 years in patients with low-grade glioma. Methods A quantitative systematic review was performed. Inclusion criteria included controlled trials of newly diagnosed low-grade (World Health Organization Grades I and II) gliomas in adults. Eligible studies were identified, assigned a level of evidence for every endpoint considered, and analyzed according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. The relative risk of mortality and of progression at 2, 5, and 10 years was calculated for patients undergoing resection (gross total, subtotal, or biopsy), radiation, or chemotherapy. Results Gross total resection was significantly associated with decreased mortality and likelihood of progression at all time points compared to subtotal resection. Early radiation was not associated with decreased mortality; however, progression-free survival was better at 5 years compared to patients receiving delayed or no radiation. Chemotherapy was associated with decreased mortality at 5 and 10 years in the high-quality literature. Progression-free survival was better at 5 and 10 years compared to patients who did not receive chemotherapy. In patients with isocitrate dehydrogenase 1 gene (IDH1) R132H mutations receiving chemotherapy, progression-free survival was better at 2 and 5 years than in patients with IDH1 wild-type gliomas. Conclusions Results from this review, the first to quantify differences in outcome associated with surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy in patients with low-grade gliomas, can be used to inform evidence-based management and future clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timothy J Brown
- Department of Medicine, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas
| | - Daniela A Bota
- Department of Neurology, University of California Irvine, USA.,Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California Irvine, USA
| | | | - Paul D Brown
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Elizabeth Maher
- Department of Medicine, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas
| | - Dawit Aregawi
- Department of Neurosurgery, Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Hershey, Pennsylvania, USA.,Department of Oncology, Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Hershey, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Linda M Liau
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California Los Angeles, USA
| | | | - Michael Weller
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital and University of Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Mitchel S Berger
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California San Francisco, USA
| | - Michael Glantz
- Department of Neurosurgery, Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Hershey, Pennsylvania, USA.,Department of Oncology, Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Hershey, Pennsylvania, USA
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Ius T, Cesselli D, Isola M, Toniato G, Pauletto G, Sciacca G, Fabbro S, Pegolo E, Rizzato S, Beltrami AP, di Loreto C, Skrap M. Combining Clinical and Molecular Data to Predict the Benefits of Carmustine Wafers in Newly Diagnosed High-Grade Gliomas. Curr Treat Options Neurol 2018; 20:3. [PMID: 29476361 DOI: 10.1007/s11940-018-0489-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The purpose of this study was to retrospectively evaluate the use of carmustine wafers (CWs) in the management of high-grade gliomas (HGGs). The data from our monoinstitutional series was compared with studies reported in the literature. Special emphasis was placed on the evaluation of side effects and the analysis of extent of resection and molecular profile as risk factors. RECENT FINDINGS The implantation of CWs into the resection cavity during HGG treatment to deliver localized chemotherapy, followed by the Stupp protocol, remains debated in a clinical setting, largely due to the lack of appropriate phase III studies. Given the high expense and poorly characterized side effects associated with CW treatment, identification of patients most likely to benefit from this therapy could be clinically relevant. CWs may represent an effective and safe first-line treatment for patients with HGG that exhibit complete tumor resection and harboring a methylated MGMT promoter. Our investigation showed a much larger group of patients exhibiting long-term survival (> = 36 months), strongly supporting a potential survival benefit conferred via CW treatment. The pre-surgical definition of the MGMT promoter status could be of clinical use in identifying "good responders" to CW implantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamara Ius
- Neurosurgery Unit, Department of Neurosciences, Santa Maria della Misericordia University Hospital, Udine, Italy.
| | | | - Miriam Isola
- Department of Medicine, University of Udine, Udine, Italy
| | - Giovanni Toniato
- Neurosurgery Unit, Department of Neurosciences, Santa Maria della Misericordia University Hospital, Udine, Italy
| | - Giada Pauletto
- Neurology Unit, Department of Neurosciences, Santa Maria della Misericordia University Hospital, Udine, Italy
| | - Giovanni Sciacca
- Neurosurgery Unit, Department of Neurosciences, Santa Maria della Misericordia University Hospital, Udine, Italy
| | - Sara Fabbro
- Department of Medicine, University of Udine, Udine, Italy
| | - Enrico Pegolo
- Department of Medicine, University of Udine, Udine, Italy
| | - Simona Rizzato
- Department of Oncology, Santa Maria della Misericordia University Hospital, Udine, Italy
| | | | - Carla di Loreto
- Department of Medicine, University of Udine, Udine, Italy.,Institute of Pathology, Santa Maria della Misericordia University Hospital, Udine, Italy
| | - Miran Skrap
- Neurosurgery Unit, Department of Neurosciences, Santa Maria della Misericordia University Hospital, Udine, Italy
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Intratumoral injection of thermogelling and sustained-release carboplatin-loaded hydrogel simplifies the administration and remains the synergistic effect with radiotherapy for mice gliomas. Biomaterials 2018; 151:38-52. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2017.10.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2017] [Revised: 10/04/2017] [Accepted: 10/05/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
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Castro BA, Imber BS, Chen R, McDermott MW, Aghi MK. Ventriculoperitoneal Shunting for Glioblastoma: Risk Factors, Indications, and Efficacy. Neurosurgery 2017; 80:421-430. [PMID: 27218235 DOI: 10.1227/neu.0000000000001263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2015] [Accepted: 02/28/2016] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Glioblastoma patients can develop hydrocephalus, either obstructive, typically at diagnosis as a result of mass effect, or communicating, usually later in the disease. OBJECTIVE To characterize the indications and efficacy of ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunting for patients with glioblastoma-associated hydrocephalus. METHODS Retrospective review was conducted of 841 glioblastoma patients diagnosed from 2004 to 2014, 64 (8%) of whom underwent VP shunting for symptomatic hydrocephalus, to analyze symptoms and outcomes after shunting. Overall survival and postshunt survival were analyzed with Kaplan-Meier methods, with predictors evaluated by use of Cox proportional hazards. RESULTS Of the 64 patients who underwent shunting, 42 (66%) had communicating hydrocephalus (CH) and 22 (34%) had obstructive hydrocephalus (OH). CH patients underwent more preshunt craniotomies than those with noncommunicating hydrocephalus, with a mean of 2.3 and 0.7 surgeries, respectively ( P < .001). Ventricular entry during craniotomy occurred in 52% of CH patients vs 59% of those with OH ( P = .8). After shunting, 61% of all patients achieved symptomatic improvement, which was not associated with hydrocephalus variant ( P > .99). Hydrocephalus symptom improvement rates were as follows: headache, 77%; lethargy, 61%; and altered cognition or memory, 54%. Symptomatic improvement was more likely in patients who were younger at shunt placement (hazard ratio, 0.96; P = .045). Symptomatic improvement, shorter time between glioblastoma diagnosis and shunt placement, and CH rather than OH led to improved postshunt survival (hazard ratio = 0.24-0.99; P = .01-.04). CONCLUSION VP shunting improves symptoms in most glioblastoma patients with suspected CH or OH, specifically younger patients. Symptomatic improvement, shorter duration between glioblastoma diagnosis and shunt placement, and CH rather than OH improve postshunt survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brandyn A Castro
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | - Brandon S Imber
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | - Rebecca Chen
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | - Michael W McDermott
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | - Manish K Aghi
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, California
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7
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Meng W, Jiang Y, Ma J. Is the prognostic significance of O6-methylguanine- DNA methyltransferase promoter methylation equally important in glioblastomas of patients from different continents? A systematic review with meta-analysis. Cancer Manag Res 2017; 9:411-425. [PMID: 29033608 PMCID: PMC5614747 DOI: 10.2147/cmar.s140447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND O6-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase (MGMT) is an independent predictor of therapeutic response and potential prognosis in patients with glioblastoma multiforme (GBM). However, its significance of clinical prognosis in different continents still needs to be explored. PATIENTS AND METHODS To explore the effects of MGMT promoter methylation on both progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) among GBM patients from different continents, a systematic review of published studies was conducted. RESULTS A total of 5103 patients from 53 studies were involved in the systematic review and the total percentage of MGMT promoter methylation was 45.53%. Of these studies, 16 studies performed univariate analyses and 17 performed multivariate analyses of MGMT promoter methylation on PFS. The pooled hazard ratio (HR) estimated for PFS was 0.55 (95% CI 0.50, 0.60) by univariate analysis and 0.43 (95% CI 0.38, 0.48) by multivariate analysis. The effect of MGMT promoter methylation on OS was explored in 30 studies by univariate analysis and in 30 studies by multivariate analysis. The combined HR was 0.48 (95% CI 0.44, 0.52) and 0.42 (95% CI 0.38, 0.45), respectively. CONCLUSION In each subgroup divided by areas, the prognostic significance still remained highly significant. The proportion of methylation in each group was in inverse proportion to the corresponding HR in the univariate and multivariate analyses of PFS. However, from the perspective of OS, compared with data from Europe and the US, higher methylation rates in Asia did not bring better returns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Meng
- Department of Pediatric Neurosurgery, Xin Hua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai
| | - Yangyang Jiang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Shanghai Deji Hospital, Shanghai Neuromedical Center Affiliated to Qingdao University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Jie Ma
- Department of Pediatric Neurosurgery, Xin Hua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai
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Ashby LS, Smith KA, Stea B. Gliadel wafer implantation combined with standard radiotherapy and concurrent followed by adjuvant temozolomide for treatment of newly diagnosed high-grade glioma: a systematic literature review. World J Surg Oncol 2016; 14:225. [PMID: 27557526 PMCID: PMC4997737 DOI: 10.1186/s12957-016-0975-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 111] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2016] [Accepted: 08/09/2016] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Since 2003, only two chemotherapeutic agents, evaluated in phase III trials, have been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for treatment of newly diagnosed high-grade glioma (HGG): Gliadel wafers (intracranially implanted local chemotherapy) and temozolomide (TMZ) (systemic chemotherapy). Neither agent is curative, but each has been shown to improve median overall survival (OS) compared to radiotherapy (RT) alone. To date, no phase III trial has tested these agents when used in sequential combination; however, a number of smaller trials have reported favorable results. We performed a systematic literature review to evaluate the combination of Gliadel wafers with standard RT (60 Gy) plus concurrent and adjuvant TMZ (RT/TMZ) for newly diagnosed HGG. A literature search was conducted for the period of January 1995 to September 2015. Data were extracted and categorized, and means and ranges were determined. A total of 11 publications met criteria, three prospective trials and eight retrospective studies, representing 411 patients who received Gliadel plus standard RT/TMZ. Patients were similar in age, gender, and performance status. The weighted mean of median OS was 18.2 months (ten trials, n = 379, range 12.7 to 21.3 months), and the weighted mean of median progression-free survival was 9.7 months (seven trials, n = 287, range 7 to 12.9 months). The most commonly reported grade 3 and 4 adverse events were myelosuppression (10.22 %), neurologic deficit (7.8 %), and healing abnormalities (4.3 %). Adverse events reflected the distinct independent safety profiles of Gliadel wafers and RT/TMZ, with little evidence of enhanced toxicity from their use in sequential combination. In the 11 identified trials, an increased benefit from sequentially combining Gliadel wafers with RT/TMZ was strongly suggested. Median OS tended to be improved by 3 to 4 months beyond that observed for Gliadel wafers or TMZ when used alone in the respective phase III trials. Larger prospective trials of Gliadel plus RT/TMZ are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lynn S Ashby
- Department of Neurology, Barrow Neurological Institute, 500 W. Thomas Rd, Suite 300, Phoenix, AZ, 85013, USA.
| | - Kris A Smith
- Department of Neurosurgery, Barrow Neurological Institute, Phoenix, AZ, 85013, USA
| | - Baldassarre Stea
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Arizona Cancer Center, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, 85724, USA
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Wait SD, Prabhu RS, Burri SH, Atkins TG, Asher AL. Polymeric drug delivery for the treatment of glioblastoma. Neuro Oncol 2015; 17 Suppl 2:ii9-ii23. [PMID: 25746091 DOI: 10.1093/neuonc/nou360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM) remains an almost universally fatal diagnosis. The current therapeutic mainstay consists of maximal safe surgical resection followed by radiation therapy (RT) with concomitant temozolomide (TMZ), followed by monthly TMZ (the "Stupp regimen"). Several chemotherapeutic agents have been shown to have modest efficacy in the treatment of high-grade glioma (HGG), but blood-brain barrier impermeability remains a major delivery obstacle. Polymeric drug-delivery systems, developed to allow controlled local release of biologically active substances for a variety of conditions, can achieve high local concentrations of active agents while limiting systemic toxicities. Polymerically delivered carmustine (BCNU) wafers, placed on the surface of the tumor-resection cavity, can potentially provide immediate chemotherapy to residual tumor cells during the standard delay between surgery and chemoradiotherapy. BCNU wafer implantation as monochemotherapy (with RT) in newly diagnosed HGG has been investigated in 2 phase III studies that reported significant increases in median overall survival. A number of studies have investigated the tumoricidal synergies of combination chemotherapy with BCNU wafers in newly diagnosed or recurrent HGG, and a primary research focus has been the integration of BCNU wafers into multimodality therapy with the standard Stupp regimen. Overall, the results of these studies have been encouraging in terms of safety and efficacy. However, the data must be qualified by the nature of the studies conducted. Currently, there are no phase III studies of BCNU wafers with the standard Stupp regimen. We review the rationale, biochemistry, pharmacokinetics, and research history (including toxicity profile) of this modality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Scott D Wait
- Carolina Neurosurgery and Spine Associates, Charlotte, North Carolina (S.D.W., A.L.A.); Levine Children's Hospital, Carolinas Medical Center, Charlotte, North Carolina (S.D.W.); Department of Neurosurgery, Levine Cancer Institute, and Neuroscience Institute, Carolinas Medical Center, Charlotte, North Carolina (S.D.W., T.G.A., A.L.A.); Southeast Radiation Oncology, Charlotte, North Carolina (R.S.P., S.H.B.); Department of Radiation Oncology, Levine Cancer Institute, Carolinas Medical Center, Charlotte, North Carolina (R.S.P., S.H.B.)
| | - Roshan S Prabhu
- Carolina Neurosurgery and Spine Associates, Charlotte, North Carolina (S.D.W., A.L.A.); Levine Children's Hospital, Carolinas Medical Center, Charlotte, North Carolina (S.D.W.); Department of Neurosurgery, Levine Cancer Institute, and Neuroscience Institute, Carolinas Medical Center, Charlotte, North Carolina (S.D.W., T.G.A., A.L.A.); Southeast Radiation Oncology, Charlotte, North Carolina (R.S.P., S.H.B.); Department of Radiation Oncology, Levine Cancer Institute, Carolinas Medical Center, Charlotte, North Carolina (R.S.P., S.H.B.)
| | - Stuart H Burri
- Carolina Neurosurgery and Spine Associates, Charlotte, North Carolina (S.D.W., A.L.A.); Levine Children's Hospital, Carolinas Medical Center, Charlotte, North Carolina (S.D.W.); Department of Neurosurgery, Levine Cancer Institute, and Neuroscience Institute, Carolinas Medical Center, Charlotte, North Carolina (S.D.W., T.G.A., A.L.A.); Southeast Radiation Oncology, Charlotte, North Carolina (R.S.P., S.H.B.); Department of Radiation Oncology, Levine Cancer Institute, Carolinas Medical Center, Charlotte, North Carolina (R.S.P., S.H.B.)
| | - Tyler G Atkins
- Carolina Neurosurgery and Spine Associates, Charlotte, North Carolina (S.D.W., A.L.A.); Levine Children's Hospital, Carolinas Medical Center, Charlotte, North Carolina (S.D.W.); Department of Neurosurgery, Levine Cancer Institute, and Neuroscience Institute, Carolinas Medical Center, Charlotte, North Carolina (S.D.W., T.G.A., A.L.A.); Southeast Radiation Oncology, Charlotte, North Carolina (R.S.P., S.H.B.); Department of Radiation Oncology, Levine Cancer Institute, Carolinas Medical Center, Charlotte, North Carolina (R.S.P., S.H.B.)
| | - Anthony L Asher
- Carolina Neurosurgery and Spine Associates, Charlotte, North Carolina (S.D.W., A.L.A.); Levine Children's Hospital, Carolinas Medical Center, Charlotte, North Carolina (S.D.W.); Department of Neurosurgery, Levine Cancer Institute, and Neuroscience Institute, Carolinas Medical Center, Charlotte, North Carolina (S.D.W., T.G.A., A.L.A.); Southeast Radiation Oncology, Charlotte, North Carolina (R.S.P., S.H.B.); Department of Radiation Oncology, Levine Cancer Institute, Carolinas Medical Center, Charlotte, North Carolina (R.S.P., S.H.B.)
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Xing WK, Shao C, Qi ZY, Yang C, Wang Z. The role of Gliadel wafers in the treatment of newly diagnosed GBM: a meta-analysis. DRUG DESIGN DEVELOPMENT AND THERAPY 2015; 9:3341-8. [PMID: 26170620 PMCID: PMC4492653 DOI: 10.2147/dddt.s85943] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Background Standard treatment for high-grade glioma (HGG) includes surgery followed by radiotherapy and/or chemotherapy. Insertion of carmustine wafers into the resection cavity as a treatment for malignant glioma is currently a controversial topic among neurosurgeons. Our meta-analysis focused on whether carmustine wafer treatment could significantly benefit the survival of patients with newly diagnosed glioblastoma multiforme (GBM). Method We searched the PubMed and Web of Science databases without any restrictions on language using the keywords “Gliadel wafers”, “carmustine wafers”, “BCNU wafers”, or “interstitial chemotherapy” in newly diagnosed GBM for the period from January 1990 to March 2015. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and cohort studies/clinical trials that compared treatments designed with and without carmustine wafers and which reported overall survival or hazard ratio (HR) or survival curves were included in this study. Moreover, the statistical analysis was conducted by the STATA 12.0 software. Results Six studies including two RCTs and four cohort studies, enrolling a total of 513 patients (223 with and 290 without carmustine wafers), matched the selection criteria. Carmustine wafers showed a strong advantage when pooling all the included studies (HR =0.63, 95% confidence interval (CI) =0.49–0.81; P=0.019). However, the two RCTs did not show a statistical increase in survival in the group with carmustine wafer compared to the group without it (HR =0.51, 95% CI =0.18–1.41; P=0.426), while the cohort studies demonstrated a significant survival increase (HR =0.59, 95% CI =0.44–0.79; P<0.0001). Conclusion Carmustine-impregnated wafers play a significant role in improving survival when used for patients with newly diagnosed GBM. More studies should be designed for newly diagnosed GBM in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei-kang Xing
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Chuan Shao
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Clinical Medical College of North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhen-yu Qi
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Chao Yang
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhong Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
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Chowdhary SA, Ryken T, Newton HB. Survival outcomes and safety of carmustine wafers in the treatment of high-grade gliomas: a meta-analysis. J Neurooncol 2015; 122:367-82. [PMID: 25630625 PMCID: PMC4368843 DOI: 10.1007/s11060-015-1724-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 104] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2014] [Accepted: 01/19/2015] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Carmustine wafers (CW; Gliadel(®) wafers) are approved to treat newly-diagnosed high-grade glioma (HGG) and recurrent glioblastoma. Widespread use has been limited for several reasons, including concern that their use may preclude enrollment in subsequent clinical trials due to uncertainty about confounding of results and potential toxicities. This meta-analysis estimated survival following treatment with CW for HGG. A literature search identified relevant studies. Overall survival (OS), median survival, and adverse events (AEs) were summarized. Analysis of variance evaluated effects of treatment (CW vs non-CW) and diagnosis (new vs recurrent) on median survival. The analysis included 62 publications, which reported data for 60 studies (CW: n = 3,162; non-CW: n = 1,736). For newly-diagnosed HGG, 1-year OS was 67 % with CW and 48 % without; 2-year OS was 26 and 15 %, respectively; median survival was 16.4 ± 21.6 months and 13.1 ± 29.9 months, respectively. For recurrent HGG, 1-year OS was 37 % with CW and 34 % without; 2-year OS was 15 and 12 %, respectively; median survival was 9.7 ± 20.9 months and 8.6 ± 22.6 months, respectively. Effects of treatment (longer median survival with CW than without; P = 0.043) and diagnosis (longer median survival for newly-diagnosed HGG than recurrent; P < 0.001) on median survival were significant, with no significant treatment-by-diagnosis interaction (P = 0.620). The most common AE associated with wafer removal was surgical site infection (SSI); the most common AEs for repeat surgery were mass effect, SSI, hydrocephalus, cysts in resection cavity, acute hematoma, wound healing complications, and brain necrosis. These data may be useful in the context of utilizing CW in HGG management, and in designing future clinical trials to allow CW-treated patients to participate in experimental protocols.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sajeel A. Chowdhary
- Department of Neuro-Oncology, Florida Hospital Cancer Institute, 2501 N. Orange Avenue, Suite 286, Orlando, FL 32804 USA
| | - Timothy Ryken
- Department of Neurosurgery, Iowa Spine and Brain Institute, 2710 St. Francis Drive, Waterloo, IA 50702 USA
| | - Herbert B. Newton
- Departments of Neurology, Neurosurgery, and Oncology, Wexner Medical Center at the Ohio State University and James Cancer Hospital, M410-B Starling-Loving Hall, 320 West 10th Avenue, Columbus, OH 43210 USA
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12
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Yang H, Wei D, Yang K, Tang W, Luo Y, Zhang J. The prognosis of MGMT promoter methylation in glioblastoma patients of different race: a meta-analysis. Neurochem Res 2014; 39:2277-87. [PMID: 25230908 DOI: 10.1007/s11064-014-1435-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2014] [Revised: 09/05/2014] [Accepted: 09/08/2014] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
O(6)-Methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase (MGMT) is a DNA repair gene. Epigenetic silencing of the MGMT promoter methylation compromises DNA repair and has been associated with longer survival in patients with glioblastoma (GBM) who receive alkylating agents. But the prognostic of MGMT promoter methylation in GBM patients of different race is still ambiguous. Based on an univariate or multivariate analysis between different race (Caucasian and Asian), a meta-analysis of the effects of MGMT promoter methylation on both progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) among GBM patients was conducted. A total of 6,309 patients from 50 studies were involved in the analysis. Random effect models were applied to estimate the pooled hazard ratio (HR) with 95 % confidence intervals (CIs) for GBM patients of different race prognosis, the Chi square-based Q test was used to test heterogeneity. Begg's (funnel plot method) and Egger's linear regression tests were adopted to check publication bias (a bias with regard to what is likely to be published, among what is available to be published). The HR value estimated for OS was 0.524 (95 % CI 0.428-0.640) by univariate analysis and 0.427 (95 % CI 0.355-0.513) by multivariate analysis in Caucasian. The HR value estimated for OS was 0.892 (95 % CI 0.469-1.698) by univariate analysis and 0.562 (95 % CI 0.394-0.804) by multivariate analysis in Asian. The HR value estimated for PFS was 0.526 (95 % CI 0.372-0.743) by univariate analysis and 0.437 (95 % CI 0.356-0.537) by multivariate analysis in Caucasian. The HR value estimated for PFS was 0.132 (95 % CI 0.006-3.027) by multivariate analysis in Asian. This data revealed that GBM patients with MGMT promoter methylation had longer OS and PFS by univariate or multivariate analysis in Caucasian regardless of therapeutic intervention. However, GBM patients with MGMT promoter methylation only had longer OS by multivariate analysis in Asian.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haiyu Yang
- Lab of Molecular Genetics of Aging and Tumor, Faculty of Medicine, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, 650500, Yunnan, China
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13
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Bregy A, Shah AH, Diaz MV, Pierce HE, Ames PL, Diaz D, Komotar RJ. The role of Gliadel wafers in the treatment of high-grade gliomas. Expert Rev Anticancer Ther 2014; 13:1453-61. [PMID: 24236823 DOI: 10.1586/14737140.2013.840090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 110] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most aggressive brain tumor. Standard treatment includes surgery, radiation and chemotherapy. Prognosis is dismal with an average survival of approximately 1 year. Gliadel wafers are one treatment option, working as a source for local chemotherapy delivery. Their use is controversial with questionable survival benefit and potential side effects. We reviewed the literature in an effort to clarify their role in the treatment of high-grade gliomas. A systematic PubMed search was performed using the keywords 'Gliadel', 'carmustine' or 'BCNU wafers' in newly diagnosed high-grade glioma patients. Treatment regimen, and median survival were analyzed. Adverse event ratio was calculated by computing the number of adverse events in a study per patient receiving carmustine wafers. Nineteen studies with 795 patients were included in our review. Survival was 8.7-22.6 months with a mean overall survival (OS) of 16.2 months (control survival is approximately 14 months with surgery and adjuvant chemoradiotherapy). Adverse event ratio using Gliadel wafersin control group. Complication rate was 42.7%. Gliadel wafers may marginally increase survival and local control in newly diagnosed GBM patients but are associated with a high complication rate; therefore, we do not recommend using Gliadel wafers in patients with GBM. Further research may be warranted once a safer alternative to Gliadel wafers has been introduced.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amade Bregy
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine, 1095 NW 14th Terrace, 2nd Floor, Miami, FL, USA
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14
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Ishikawa E, Muragaki Y, Yamamoto T, Maruyama T, Tsuboi K, Ikuta S, Hashimoto K, Uemae Y, Ishihara T, Matsuda M, Matsutani M, Karasawa K, Nakazato Y, Abe T, Ohno T, Matsumura A. Phase I/IIa trial of fractionated radiotherapy, temozolomide, and autologous formalin-fixed tumor vaccine for newly diagnosed glioblastoma. J Neurosurg 2014; 121:543-53. [PMID: 24995786 DOI: 10.3171/2014.5.jns132392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
OBJECT Temozolomide (TMZ) may enhance antitumor immunity in patients with glioblastoma multiforme (GBM). In this paper the authors report on a prospective Phase I/IIa clinical trial of fractionated radiotherapy (FRT) concomitant with TMZ therapy, followed by treatment with autologous formalin-fixed tumor vaccine (AFTV) and TMZ maintenance in patients with newly diagnosed GBM. METHODS Twenty-four patients (age 16-75 years, Karnofsky Performance Scale score ≥ 60% before initiation of FRT) with newly diagnosed GBM received a total dose of 60 Gy of FRT with daily concurrent TMZ. After a 4-week interval, the patients received 3 AFTV injections and the first course of TMZ maintenance chemotherapy for 5 days, followed by multiple courses of TMZ for 5 days in each 28-day cycle. RESULTS This treatment regimen was well tolerated by all patients. The percentage of patients with progression-free survival (PFS) ≥ 24 months was 33%. The median PFS, median overall survival (OS), and the actuarial 2- and 3-year survival rates of the 24 patients were 8.2 months, 22.2 months, 47%, and 38%, respectively. The median PFS in patients with a delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) response after the third AFTV injection (DTH-2) of 10 mm or larger surpassed the median length of follow-up for progression-free patients (29.5 months), which was significantly greater than the median PFS in patients with a smaller DTH-2 response. CONCLUSIONS The treatment regimen was well tolerated and resulted in favorable PFS and OS for newly diagnosed GBM patients. Clinical trial registration no.: UMIN000001426 (UMIN clinical trials registry, Japan).
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15
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Zhang K, Wang XQ, Zhou B, Zhang L. The prognostic value of MGMT promoter methylation in Glioblastoma multiforme: a meta-analysis. Fam Cancer 2014; 12:449-58. [PMID: 23397067 DOI: 10.1007/s10689-013-9607-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
The prognostic significance of O(6)-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase (MGMT) promoter methylation on Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) remains controversial. A meta-analysis of published studies investigating the effects of MGMT promoter methylation on both progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) among GBM patients was performed. A total of 2,986 patients from 30 studies were included in the meta-analysis. In all, the frequency of MGMT promoter methylation was 44.27 %. Five studies undertook univariate analyses and nine undertook multivariate analyses of MGMT promoter methylation on PFS. The pooled hazard ratio (HR) estimate for PFS was 0.72 (95 % CI 0.55-0.95) by univariate analysis and 0.51 (95 % CI 0.38-0.69) by multivariate analysis. The effect of MGMT promoter methylation on OS was evaluated in 15 studies by univariate analysis and 14 studies by multivariate analysis. The combined HR was 0.67 (95 % CI 0.58-0.78) and 0.49 (95 % CI 0.38-0.64), respectively. For GBM patients treated with Alkylating agent, the meta-risk remained highly significant by both univariate (HR = 0.58; 95 % CI 0.42-0.79) and multivariate analysis (HR = 0.42; 95 % CI 0.29-0.60). This study showed that MGMT promoter methylation was associated with better PFS and OS in patients with GBM regardless of therapeutic intervention, and associated with longer OS in GBM patients treated with alkylating agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kui Zhang
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Zun Yi Medical College, Zun Yi, 563003, People's Republic of China,
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16
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Onuma K, Ishikawa E, Matsuda M, Hirata K, Osuka S, Yamamoto T, Masumoto T, Zaboronok A, Matsumura A. Clinical characteristics and neuroimaging findings in 12 cases of recurrent glioblastoma with communicating hydrocephalus. Neurol Med Chir (Tokyo) 2014; 53:474-81. [PMID: 23883558 DOI: 10.2176/nmc.53.474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Clinically, recurrent glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is often associated with communicating hydrocephalus. We hypothesized that there are specific magnetic resonance (MR) imaging findings at the diagnosis of recurrent GBM that predict subsequent hydrocephalus. Various clinical characteristics were investigated including outcome and MR imaging findings in 12 patients with recurrent GBM followed by hydrocephalus (Hydro group) and 21 patients with recurrent GBM without hydrocephalus (Non-hydro group). Patient age and presence of communicating hydrocephalus were significantly associated with poor outcome. Median survival with recurrent GBM was longer in the Non-hydro group than in the Hydro group. Low Karnofsky performance status (KPS) and poor recursive partitioning analysis (RPA) class (RPA class 3, 5, 6, or 7) at the diagnosis of recurrent GBM were associated with the presence of hydrocephalus. The incidence of leptomeningeal dissemination after recurrent GBM was higher in the Hydro group than in the Non-hydro group. Evans index and fractional anisotropy value showed no difference at the diagnosis of recurrent GBM, but some MR imaging findings indicated that lesion attached to the basal cistern and/or ventricle was closely associated with subsequent hydrocephalus. We recommend careful monitoring of the ventricle size and leptomeningeal dissemination, especially in patients with low KPS and/or poor RPA class, if MR imaging indicates that the lesion is attached to the basal cistern and/or ventricle at recurrence of GBM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kuniyuki Onuma
- Department of Neurosurgery, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
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17
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Gutenberg A, Bock HC, Brück W, Doerner L, Mehdorn HM, Roggendorf W, Westphal M, Felsberg J, Reifenberger G, Giese A. MGMT promoter methylation status and prognosis of patients with primary or recurrent glioblastoma treated with carmustine wafers. Br J Neurosurg 2013; 27:772-8. [PMID: 23662801 DOI: 10.3109/02688697.2013.791664] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
The prognostic role of O(6)-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase (MGMT) promoter methylation in glioblastoma patients treated with carmustine (BCNU) wafer implantation is unclear. Here, we report on a retrospective study of 47 patients with either newly diagnosed (30 patients) or recurrent (17 patients) glioblastoma (WHO grade IV) treated with BCNU (bis-chloroethylnitrosourea) wafers. Thirteen of the newly diagnosed patients received local BCNU and irradiation only (first-line BCNU), while 17 patients additionally received concomitant and adjuvant temozolomide (TMZ) radiochemotherapy (first-line BCNU + TMZ). Of the 17 patients treated for recurrent glioblastoma (second-line BCNU), 16 had received radiotherapy with concomitant and adjuvant TMZ as an initial treatment. Median overall survival (OS) did not significantly differ between 19 patients with MGMT promoter methylated tumors when compared to 28 patients with unmethylated tumors (18.9 vs 15.0 months; p = 0.1054). In the first-line BCNU + TMZ group, MGMT promoter methylation was associated with longer OS (21.0 vs 11.1 months, p = 0.0127), while no significant survival differences were detected in the other two subgroups. Progression-free survival did not significantly differ between patients with and without MGMT promoter methylated tumors in the entire patient cohort or any of the three subgroups. The first-line BCNU + TMZ group showed no significant difference in OS when compared to the first-line BCNU group (18.9 vs 14.7 months), but tended to have more therapy-related adverse effects (53% vs 24%, p = 0.105). In summary, MGMT promoter methylation showed a non-significant trend toward longer survival in our patient cohort. The combination of TMZ radiochemotherapy with local delivery of BCNU did not provide a significant survival benefit compared to local BCNU alone, but was associated with a higher rate of adverse effects. Owing to the small number of patients investigated, however, these findings would need to be corroborated in larger patient cohorts.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Gutenberg
- Department of Neurosurgery, Georg August University Göttingen , Göttingen , Germany
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18
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Kleinberg L. Polifeprosan 20, 3.85% carmustine slow-release wafer in malignant glioma: evidence for role in era of standard adjuvant temozolomide. CORE EVIDENCE 2012; 7:115-30. [PMID: 23118709 PMCID: PMC3484478 DOI: 10.2147/ce.s23244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2012] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
The Polifeprosan 20 with carmustine (BCNU, bis-chloroethylnitrosourea, Gliadel®) polymer implant wafer is a biodegradable compound containing 3.85% carmustine which slowly degrades to release carmustine and protects it from exposure to water with resultant hydrolysis until the time of release. The carmustine implant wafer was demonstrated to improve survival in blinded placebo-controlled trials in selected patients with newly diagnosed or recurrent malignant glioma, with little increased risk of adverse events. Based on these trials and other supporting data, US and European regulatory authorities granted approval for its use in recurrent and newly diagnosed malignant glioma, and it remains the only approved local treatment. The preclinical and clinical data suggest that it is optimally utilized primarily in the proportion of patients who may have total or near total removal of gross tumor. The aim of this work was to review the evidence for the use of carmustine implants in the management of malignant astrocytoma (World Health Organization grades III and IV), including newly diagnosed and recurrent disease, especially in the setting of a standard of care that has changed since the randomized trials were completed. Therapy has evolved such that patients now generally receive temozolomide chemotherapy during and after radiotherapy treatment. For patients undergoing repeat resection for malignant glioma, a randomized, blinded, placebo-controlled trial demonstrated a median survival for 110 patients who received carmustine polymers of 31 weeks compared with 23 weeks for 122 patients who only received placebo polymers. The benefit achieved statistical significance only on analysis adjusting for prognostic factors rather than for the randomized groups as a whole (hazard ratio = 0.67, P = 0.006). A blinded, placebo-controlled trial has also been performed for carmustine implant placement in newly diagnosed patients prior to standard radiotherapy. Median survival was improved from 11.6 to 13.9 months (P = 0.03), with a 29% reduction in the risk of death. When patients with glioblastoma multiforme alone were analyzed, the median survival improved from 11.4 to 13.5 months, but this improvement was not statistically significant. When a Cox’s proportional hazard model was utilized to account for other potential prognostic factors, there was a significant 31% reduction in the risk of death (P = 0.04) in this subgroup. Data from other small reports support these results and confirm that the incidence of adverse events does not appear to be increased meaningfully. Given the poor prognosis without possibility of cure, these benefits from a treatment with a favorable safety profile were considered meaningful. There is randomized evidence to support the use of carmustine wafers placed during resection of recurrent disease. Therefore, although there is limited specific evidence, this treatment is likely to be efficacious in an environment when nearly all patients receive temozolomide as part of initial management. Given that half of the patients in the randomized trial assessing the value of carmustine implants in recurrent disease had received prior chemotherapy, it is likely that this remains a valuable treatment at the time of repeat resection, even after temozolomide. There are data from multiple reports to support safety. Although there is randomized evidence to support the use of this therapy in newly diagnosed patients who will receive radiotherapy alone, it is now standard to administer both adjuvant temozolomide and radiotherapy. There are survival outcome reports for small cohorts of patients receiving temozolomide with radiotherapy, but this information is not sufficient to support firm recommendations. Based on the rationale and evidence of safety, this approach appears to be a reasonable option as more information is acquired. Available data support the safety of using carmustine wafers in this circumstance, although special attention to surgical guidelines for implanting the wafers is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lawrence Kleinberg
- Department of Radiation Oncology and Molecular Radiation Sciences, Sidney Kimmel Oncology Center Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
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19
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De Bonis P, Anile C, Pompucci A, Fiorentino A, Balducci M, Chiesa S, Maira G, Mangiola A. Safety and efficacy of Gliadel wafers for newly diagnosed and recurrent glioblastoma. Acta Neurochir (Wien) 2012; 154:1371-8. [PMID: 22718138 DOI: 10.1007/s00701-012-1413-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2011] [Accepted: 06/01/2012] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Combining Gliadel wafers and radiochemotherapy with TMZ may carry the risk of increased adverse events (AE). We analyzed the efficacy and safety in patients with glioblastoma who underwent multimodal treatment with implantation of Gliadel wafers. METHODS One hundred sixty-five consecutive patients with newly diagnosed (77 patients) or recurrent (88 patients) glioblastoma were studied. Forty-seven patients underwent surgery + Gliadel. The impact of age (≥65 vs. <65), resection extent (gross total vs. partial), use of Gliadel and adjuvant treatment (TMZ vs. other schemes/no adjuvant therapy) on overall survival (OS, for patients with newly diagnosed glioblastoma) and on recurrence-survival (for patients with recurrent glioblastoma) was analyzed with Cox regression. The impact of age, history (newly diagnosed vs. recurrent glioblastoma), number of Gliadel wafers implanted (0 vs. <8 vs. 8), resection extent (gross-total vs. partial) and adjuvant treatment (TMZ vs. other schemes/no adjuvant therapy) on the occurrence of AE and on the occurrence of implantation site-related AE (ISAE) was analyzed with the logistic regression model. Significance was set at p < 0.05. RESULTS Multivariate analysis showed the only factor associated with longer survival, both for newly diagnosed and for recurrent GBM, was resection extent. Both patients with a higher number of wafers implanted and patients with recurrent tumors were significantly at risk for AE and ISAE. Patients with eight Gliadel wafers implanted had a 3-fold increased risk of AE and a 5.6-fold increased risk of ISAE, and patients with recurrent tumor had a 2.8-fold increased risk of AE and a 9.3-fold increased risk of ISAE. CONCLUSIONS Adding Gliadel to standard treatment did not significantly improve the outcome. The toxicity after Gliadel use was significantly higher, both for patients with newly diagnosed and patients with recurrent glioblastoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pasquale De Bonis
- Institute of Neurosurgery, Catholic University School of Medicine, l.go F. Vito, 1 00168, Rome, Italy.
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Hughes AK, Cichacz Z, Scheck A, Coons SW, Johnston SA, Stafford P. Immunosignaturing can detect products from molecular markers in brain cancer. PLoS One 2012; 7:e40201. [PMID: 22815729 PMCID: PMC3397978 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0040201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2012] [Accepted: 06/06/2012] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Immunosignaturing shows promise as a general approach to diagnosis. It has been shown to detect immunological signs of infection early during the course of disease and to distinguish Alzheimer’s disease from healthy controls. Here we test whether immunosignatures correspond to clinical classifications of disease using samples from people with brain tumors. Blood samples from patients undergoing craniotomies for therapeutically naïve brain tumors with diagnoses of astrocytoma (23 samples), Glioblastoma multiforme (22 samples), mixed oligodendroglioma/astrocytoma (16 samples), oligodendroglioma (18 samples), and 34 otherwise healthy controls were tested by immunosignature. Because samples were taken prior to adjuvant therapy, they are unlikely to be perturbed by non-cancer related affects. The immunosignaturing platform distinguished not only brain cancer from controls, but also pathologically important features about the tumor including type, grade, and the presence or absence of O6-methyl-guanine-DNA methyltransferase methylation promoter (MGMT), an important biomarker that predicts response to temozolomide in Glioblastoma multiformae patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexa K. Hughes
- Biodesign Institute, Center for Innovations in Medicine, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, United States of America
| | - Zbigniew Cichacz
- Biodesign Institute, Center for Innovations in Medicine, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, United States of America
| | - Adrienne Scheck
- Barrow Neurological Institute, St. Joseph’s Hospital, Phoenix, Arizona, United States of America
| | - Stephen W. Coons
- Barrow Neurological Institute, St. Joseph’s Hospital, Phoenix, Arizona, United States of America
| | - Stephen Albert Johnston
- Biodesign Institute, Center for Innovations in Medicine, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, United States of America
| | - Phillip Stafford
- Biodesign Institute, Center for Innovations in Medicine, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Long-term survival after gamma knife radiosurgery in a case of recurrent glioblastoma multiforme: a case report and review of the literature. Case Rep Med 2012; 2012:545492. [PMID: 22548078 PMCID: PMC3324895 DOI: 10.1155/2012/545492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2011] [Accepted: 01/15/2012] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The management of recurrent glioblastoma is highly challenging, and treatment outcomes remain uniformly poor. Glioblastoma is a highly infiltrative tumor, and complete surgical resection of all microscopic extensions cannot be achieved at the time of initial diagnosis, and hence local recurrence is observed in most patients. Gamma Knife radiosurgery has been used to treat these tumor recurrences for select cases and has been successful in prolonging the median survival by 8-12 months on average for select cases. We present the unique case of a 63-year-old male with multiple sequential recurrences of glioblastoma after initial standard treatment with surgery followed by concomitant external beam radiation therapy and chemotherapy (temozolomide). The patient was followed clinically as well as with surveillance MRI scans at every 2-3-month intervals. The patient underwent Gamma Knife radiosurgery three times for 3 separate tumor recurrences, and the patient survived for seven years following the initial diagnosis with this aggressive treatment. The median survival in patients with recurrent glioblastoma is usually 8-12 months after recurrence, and this unique case illustrates that aggressive local therapy can lead to long-term survivors in select situations. We advocate that each patient treatment at the time of recurrence should be tailored to each clinical situation and desire for quality of life and improved longevity.
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22
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Håvik AB, Brandal P, Honne H, Dahlback HSS, Scheie D, Hektoen M, Meling TR, Helseth E, Heim S, Lothe RA, Lind GE. MGMT promoter methylation in gliomas-assessment by pyrosequencing and quantitative methylation-specific PCR. J Transl Med 2012; 10:36. [PMID: 22390413 PMCID: PMC3311573 DOI: 10.1186/1479-5876-10-36] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2011] [Accepted: 03/06/2012] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Methylation of the O(6)-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase (MGMT) gene promoter is a favorable prognostic factor in glioblastoma patients. However, reported methylation frequencies vary significantly partly due to lack of consensus in the choice of analytical method. METHOD We examined 35 low- and 99 high-grade gliomas using quantitative methylation specific PCR (qMSP) and pyrosequencing. Gene expression level of MGMT was analyzed by RT-PCR. RESULTS When examined by qMSP, 26% of low-grade and 37% of high-grade gliomas were found to be methylated, whereas 97% of low-grade and 55% of high-grade gliomas were found methylated by pyrosequencing. The average MGMT gene expression level was significantly lower in the group of patients with a methylated promoter independent of method used for methylation detection. Primary glioblastoma patients with a methylated MGMT promoter (as evaluated by both methylation detection methods) had approximately 5 months longer median survival compared to patients with an unmethylated promoter (log-rank test; pyrosequencing P = .02, qMSP P = .06). One third of the analyzed samples had conflicting methylation results when comparing the data from the qMSP and pyrosequencing. The overall survival analysis shows that these patients have an intermediate prognosis between the groups with concordant MGMT promoter methylation results when comparing the two methods. CONCLUSION In our opinion, MGMT promoter methylation analysis gives sufficient prognostic information to merit its inclusion in the standard management of patients with high-grade gliomas, and in this study pyrosequencing came across as the better analytical method.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annette Bentsen Håvik
- Section for Cancer Cytogenetics, Institute for Medical Informatics, Oslo University Hospital-The Norwegian Radium Hospital, P,O, Box 4950 Nydalen, N-0424 Oslo, Norway
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de Groot M, Reijneveld JC, Aronica E, Heimans JJ. Epilepsy in patients with a brain tumour: focal epilepsy requires focused treatment. Brain 2011; 135:1002-16. [PMID: 22171351 DOI: 10.1093/brain/awr310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 111] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Brain tumours frequently cause epileptic seizures. Medical antiepileptic treatment is often met with limited success. Pharmacoresistance, drug interactions and adverse events are common problems during treatment with antiepileptic drugs. The unpredictability of epileptic seizures and the treatment-related problems deeply affect the quality of life of patients with a brain tumour. In this review, we focus on both clinical and basic aspects of possible mechanisms in epileptogenesis in patients with a brain tumour. We provide an overview of the factors that are involved in epileptogenesis, starting focally at the tumour and the peritumoral tissue and eventually extending to alterations in functional connectivity throughout the brain. We correlate this knowledge to the known mechanisms of antiepileptic drugs. We conclude that the underlying mechanisms of epileptogenesis in patients with a brain tumour are poorly understood. The currently available antiepileptic drugs have little to no influence on the known epileptogenic mechanisms that could contribute to the poor efficacy. Better understanding of focal changes that are involved in epileptogenesis may provide new tools for optimal treatment of both the seizures and the underlying tumour. In our opinion, therapy for every patient with a brain tumour suffering from epilepsy should first and foremost aim at eliminating the tumour as well as the epileptic focus through resection combined with postoperative treatment, and only if this strategy does not result in adequate seizure control should medical antiepileptic treatment be intensified. If this strategy, however, results in sustained seizure freedom, tapering of antiepileptic drugs should be considered in the long term.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marjolein de Groot
- Department of Neurology, VU University Medical Center, PO Box 7057, 1007 MB Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
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Montano N, D'Alessandris QG, Bianchi F, Lauretti L, Doglietto F, Fernandez E, Maira G, Pallini R. Communicating hydrocephalus following surgery and adjuvant radiochemotherapy for glioblastoma. J Neurosurg 2011; 115:1126-30. [PMID: 21905801 DOI: 10.3171/2011.8.jns11738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
OBJECT Communicating hydrocephalus is an uncommon complication in patients treated for glioblastoma multiforme (GBM). Its pathogenesis remains unclear. The authors evaluated the clinical and radiological factors associated with the onset of communicating hydrocephalus and the impact of ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt surgery on the outcome of these patients. METHODS One hundred twenty-four patients harboring GBM, who had undergone craniotomy for tumor resection and adjuvant radiochemotherapy, were retrospectively assessed. Seven of them developed communicating hydrocephalus and were treated with VP shunt surgery. Clinical and radiological estimates included Karnofsky Performance Scale (KPS) score, previous surgery, overall survival (OS), CSF pressure and components, tumor location, and leptomeningeal dissemination. RESULTS All 7 patients who developed communicating hydrocephalus had undergone at least 2 craniotomies for tumor resection before the onset of hydrocephalus (p = 0.0006; Fisher exact test). Six cases showed high levels of CSF proteins. There was a highly significant relationship between ventricular opening at surgery for tumor recurrence and onset of hydrocephalus (p = 0.0002; Fisher exact test). In these patients, VP shunt surgery was followed by a significant improvement of KPS score (p = 0.0180; Wilcoxon signed-rank test). The median OS after VP shunt insertion was 5 ± 2.9 months. CONCLUSIONS Ventricular opening after radiochemotherapy and high CSF protein levels are significant predictors of communicating hydrocephalus in patients with GBM. The VP shunt surgery improves quality of life in these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicola Montano
- Institute of Neurosurgery, Catholic University, Rome, Italy.
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Nagaiah G, Almubarak M, Khan M, Altaha R. Cerebrospinal Fluid Leak During Treatment With Bevacizumab and Irinotecan After Carmustine-Impregnated Wafers Placement in Patients With Grade 2 Oligodendroglioma and Glioblastoma Multiforme: Report of Two Cases and Review of Literature. Cancer Invest 2010; 28:1048-53. [DOI: 10.3109/07357907.2010.483499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
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Seymour ZA, Cohen-Gadol AA. Cushing's lost cases of "radium bomb" brachytherapy for gliomas. J Neurosurg 2010; 113:141-8. [PMID: 20020842 DOI: 10.3171/2009.11.jns091393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Although recent efforts to advance the treatment of gliomas through radiotherapy and chemotherapy may seem to be a relatively new area of growth and development, these efforts have been in progress since the therapeutic potential of radiation therapy was discovered in the late 19th century. Cushing's use of brachytherapy has been mentioned several times in the literature without receiving an appropriate in-depth analysis. The reasoning behind Cushing's initial use of brachytherapy was not fully examined, and a close analysis of the outcomes of this therapy was not made. In addition, Cushing's use of his "radium bomb" occurred more commonly than the 3 cases previously documented. The authors reviewed all the patient records available at the Cushing Brain Tumor Registry--which represents the most complete series of patient records from the Cushing era--and selected those patients who underwent treatment with Cushing's "radium bomb." The authors place these early attempts to optimize interstitial radiation of brain tumors in their historical perspective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zachary A Seymour
- Clarian Neuroscience Institute, Indianapolis Neurosurgical Group, and Department of Neurosurgery, Indiana University, Indianapolis, Indiana 46202, USA
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Treatment-induced brain toxicity remains a major cause of morbidity in adult patients with cancer. Contrasting with the 40-year-old unresolved controversy about the primary damaging event (vascular versus parenchymal) in the physiopathology, numerous prospective clinical trials have recently addressed the question of brain toxicity. Despite remarkable efforts in methodological design, they often only partially answer the questions of which treatment modalities are responsible, which brain functions are mainly impaired, how long the impairment duration is and which characteristics make patients vulnerable. RECENT FINDINGS Real advances in the design of safer radiation procedures have been counterbalanced by a wider use of combined radiotherapy-chemotherapy regimens, the development of radiosurgery and the increasing number of long-term survivors. Although classic radionecrosis or chemonecrosis has become less common, more subtle changes such as progressive cognitive dysfunction are increasingly reported after radiotherapy (radiation-induced leukoencephalopathy) or chemotherapy, administered alone or in combination as reviewed here. The methodological aspects of published studies are questioned and suggestions are provided that may improve the design of future trials. SUMMARY The abovementioned issue is of clinical importance given the number of patients treated for brain tumors, including patients with brain metastases, and the number of patients who are at high risk for brain metastasis who could benefit from prophylactic cranial irradiation. Moreover, drugs used in nonbrain tumors are now recognized to impair brain normal functioning.
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