Current neurology and neuroscience reports
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Curr Neurol Neurosci Rep · May 2005
ReviewOptimal role of temozolomide in the treatment of malignant gliomas.
Temozolomide (TMZ) is an alkylating agent that was approved for anaplastic astrocytoma and glioblastoma. Its role in the treatment of recurrent disease has been confirmed, and more importantly, alternative treatment schedules and combination regimens have been developed. ⋯ Molecular studies suggest a strong predictive role of the DNA repair enzyme O6-methyl-guanine-DNA-methyl-transferase (MGMT) and outcome of TMZ-based chemotherapy. This review summarizes the current knowledge, highlights approved and nonapproved indications, and describes molecular studies that may allow us to identify the patients most likely to benefit from this treatment.
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The mechanism of epilepsy in brain tumor patients is probably multifactorial, and its incidence depends on tumor type and location. Refractory epilepsy is common in patients with a structural brain lesion, and a role for multidrug resistance proteins has been suggested. Until now, the medical treatment of epilepsy in brain tumor patients has only been studied retrospectively. ⋯ Choices depend on the outcome of retrospective studies, a few nonrandomized series, extrapolation from other studies in symptomatic epilepsy, and anticipated interactions, most notably between AEDs and anticancer agents. The newly developed AEDs levetiracetam and gabapentin are recommended because of good results in preliminary studies and because they do not show interactions with anticancer agents. The use of prophylactic AEDs in brain tumor patients is disputable and generally not advised.
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Curr Neurol Neurosci Rep · May 2005
Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study Clinical TrialConcomitant chemoradiotherapy followed by adjuvant temozolomide improves survival in glioblastoma multiforme.