Journal of neuro-oncology
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Journal of neuro-oncology · Jun 2013
Neoadjuvant chemotherapy may optimize the extent of resection of World Health Organization grade II gliomas: a case series of 17 patients.
The involvement of eloquent brain areas may preclude the total/subtotal surgical resection of diffuse low-grade gliomas (DLGGs). The feasibility and functional tolerance of neoadjuvant chemotherapy have been demonstrated in such cases. The present study assesses the clinical and radiological impact of neoadjuvant chemotherapy on the natural course of DLGG. ⋯ A tumor volume decrease of more than 20 % was correlated with a lower postoperative residual tumor (median 2 cc, p = 0.04), a greater extent of resection (93.1 vs. 89.5 %), a higher probability of total/subtotal removal. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy with Temozolomide could optimize the surgical resection of DLGGs and could impact their natural history. Further large prospective studies with long-term follow-up are needed.