Journal of oncology pharmacy practice : official publication of the International Society of Oncology Pharmacy Practitioners
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J Oncol Pharm Pract · Jun 2012
Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter Study Comparative StudyTemozolomide plus radiotherapy for glioblastoma in a Canadian province: efficacy versus effectiveness and the impact of O6-methylguanine-DNA-methyltransferase promoter methylation.
Radiotherapy with concomitant and adjuvant temozolomide has been the standard of care for newly diagnosed glioblastoma in adults since the pivotal trial by Roger Stupp and colleagues. The effectiveness of this regimen has not been evaluated in Canada. Additionally, the impact of O6-methylguanine-DNA-methyltransferase (MGMT) promoter methylation on patient survival has not been confirmed. Hence, survival outcomes and MGMT predictive value were compared for the patients in Alberta versus the Stupp trial population. ⋯ Current practice in Alberta enables patients to achieve overall and progression-free survival similar to the clinical trial. Further follow-up is required to confirm the predictive value of the MGMT assay. Until that is clarified or better treatments are developed, it is reasonable to continue offering this treatment regimen to patients regardless of MGMT methylation status.