Journal of neuro-oncology
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Journal of neuro-oncology · May 2018
Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter StudyDo statins, ACE inhibitors or sartans improve outcome in primary glioblastoma?
Glioblastomas are malignant brain tumors with poor prognosis. Lately, data from clinical studies assessing the role of co-medications in different cancer types suggested reduced mortality and potential anti-tumor activity for statins, angiotensin-I converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEI) and angiotensin II receptor blockers (sartans). Here, we analysed the association of co-treatment with statins, ACEI or sartans with outcome in a cohort of 810 patients enrolled in the phase III CENTRIC and phase II CORE trials on the role of the integrin antagonist, cilengitide, in newly diagnosed glioblastoma with or without O6-methylguanine DNA methyltransferase (MGMT) promoter methylation. ⋯ RT + CIL + TMZ → TMZ + CIL). This secondary analysis of two large glioblastoma trials thus was unable to detect evidence for an association of the use of statins, ACEI or sartans with outcome in patients with newly diagnosed glioblastoma. These data challenge the rationale for prospective studies on the possible role of these non-tumor-specific drugs within the concept of drug repurposing.
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Journal of neuro-oncology · May 2018
Multicenter StudyEnd-of-life care of children with diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma.
The end-of-life management of children with diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG) is challenging. Families cope with debilitating symptoms and make complex decisions regarding their child's care. However, there is little evidence guiding palliative care provision for these children. ⋯ Children with DIPG have complex needs and require intensive multidisciplinary support. This paper describes the end-of-life choices made for these children and discusses how these choices influence our institutional model for palliative care. We believe this approach will be useful to clinicians caring for similar patients.