Chemotherapy for advanced CNS ependymoma

The role of chemotherapy in recurrent ependymoma is poorly defined. This study was performed to help clarify the benefits of chemotherapy in this setting.

We retrospectively reviewed the charts of patients with advanced ependymoma of the CNS who received chemotherapy in our institution between 1974 and 1993, inclusive. Sixteen consecutive patients were treated with regimens containing either nitrosourea, platinum, or other combinations exclusive of nitrosourea or platinum. No patient received nitrosourea and platinum concurrently. Two methods were used to define response. The first was a direct comparison of radiographic images before and after chemotherapy more than one month apart. A second broader definition of response that employed four other criteria in addition to imaging studies (symptoms, signs, performance status, and neurologic functional status) was also used.

Results were as follows (response rate by imaging studies followed by response rate by scoring in parenthesis): Platinum-based chemotherapy resulted in a 67% (83%) response rate with 33% (0%) remaining stable. Nitrosourea-based regimens resulted in a 25% (60%) response rate with 50% (10%) remaining stable. When combinations other than platinum or nitrosourea were used, 11% (22%) responded and 56% (44%) remained stable. Relative differences in response rates between chemotherapy regimens persisted when the data were analyzed by grade. Median time to progression was 6, 10, and 3 months, respectively.

Platinum-based chemotherapy regimens appear to result in higher response rates with lower rates of progression than nitrosourea-based regimens. Other regimens that do not include cisplatinum or nitrosourea appear to be even less effective.