Journal of neuro-oncology
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Journal of neuro-oncology · Apr 2013
Comparative StudyThe value of temozolomide in combination with radiotherapy during standard treatment for newly diagnosed glioblastoma.
The current best standard care for glioblastoma still has limitations and unsatisfactory outcomes in patients with an unmethylated O-6-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase (MGMT) promoter. Whether the effects of temozolomide are primarily due to its concomitant use with radiotherapy or are also mediated by their independent use in the adjuvant phase remain unclear. To validate the concomitant use of temozolomide in the standard protocol, we compared the overall survival of two prospective patient groups: one treated with radiotherapy alone followed by adjuvant temozolomide (RT → TMZ group) and the other treated with concomitant radiotherapy and temozolomide followed by adjuvant temozolomide (CCRT-TMZ group). ⋯ However, the OS and PFS did not differ between the CCRT-TMZ and the RT → TMZ groups in the patients without MGMT promoter methylation. Although this data is from a retrospective analysis using small number of patients, the study might indicate that concomitant use of temozolomide with radiotherapy is a crucial step in the standard treatment for glioblastoma patients with MGMT promoter methylation. And the use of temozolomide, either concurrently or by adjuvant after radiotherapy, remains a questionable value for those with an unmethylated MGMT promoter.
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Journal of neuro-oncology · Apr 2013
Comparative StudyRisk of subsequent cancer following a primary CNS tumor.
Improvements in survival among central nervous system (CNS) tumor patients has made the risk of developing a subsequent cancer an important survivorship issue. Such a risk is likely influenced by histological and treatment differences between CNS tumors. De-identified data for 41,159 patients with a primary CNS tumor diagnosis from 9 Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) registries were used to calculate potential risk for subsequent cancer development. ⋯ Glioblastoma multiforme patients who received radiotherapy were at lower risks for female breast and prostate cancers, though at an elevated risk for cancers of the thyroid and brain. Radiotherapy is associated with subsequent cancer development, particularly for sites within the field of radiation, though host susceptibility and post-treatment status underlie this risk. Variation in subsequent cancer risk among different CNS tumor histological subtypes indicate a complex interplay between risk factors in subsequent cancer development.
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Journal of neuro-oncology · Apr 2013
Clinical TrialGliomatosis cerebri: clinical characteristics, management, and outcomes.
Gliomatosis cerebri is a rare diffusely infiltrating primary neoplastic glial process of the brain. Our objective is to review clinical presentation, management, and outcome in a large single institution series of gliomatosis cerebri patients. 54 consecutive gliomatosis cerebri cases presenting to Mayo Clinic Rochester between 1991 and 2008 were retrospectively reviewed. Inclusion criteria included involvement of at least three cerebral lobes, lack of a single discrete mass and pathological confirmation of diffuse glioma. ⋯ Surgery's role is limited beyond biopsy for diagnostic purposes. Radiotherapy appears beneficial, although selection bias could be present in this retrospective study. Chemotherapy's value is not as clear but this must be interpreted with caution given variable treatment regimens in this series.