Journal of neuro-oncology
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Journal of neuro-oncology · Sep 2012
Temozolomide or bevacizumab for spinal cord high-grade gliomas.
High-grade gliomas of the spinal cord are rare tumors, traditionally managed with surgery and radiotherapy. Once patients fail standard treatment, many receive some chemotherapy, although the data supporting such is limited. We reviewed our experience treating high-grade gliomas of the spinal cord with standard intracranial regimens including temozolomide and bevacizumab. ⋯ The median time to progression was 20.7 months (range 3.3-29.9 months) and median overall survival was 22.8 months (range 3.3-31.8 months). This retrospective review suggests that temozolomide and bevacizumab may be beneficial in spinal cord high-grade gliomas. The compact architecture of the spinal cord makes bevacizumab a particularly appealing agent due to the drug's effect on peritumoral edema and mass effect.
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Journal of neuro-oncology · Sep 2012
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. ⋯ 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.