Temozolomide chemotherapy in recurrent oligodendroglioma

Area of Science:

• Neuro-oncology
• Clinical pharmacology
• Brain tumor research

Background:

• Anaplastic oligodendroglioma is a primary brain tumor with limited treatment options upon recurrence.
• Temozolomide is an oral alkylating agent used in brain tumor treatment.
• Previous chemotherapy regimens like PCV are common for this condition.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy and safety of temozolomide in patients with recurrent anaplastic oligodendroglioma.
• To determine the response rate, duration of response, and tolerance of temozolomide.
• To assess temozolomide's potential in patients with and without prior chemotherapy.

Main Methods:

• A prospective study involving 30 patients with recurrent anaplastic oligodendroglioma.
• Oral administration of temozolomide at 150-200 mg/m2 on days 1-5 of 28-day cycles.
• Assessment of response rate, time to progression, and adverse events.

Main Results:

• Nine out of 30 patients responded to temozolomide.
• A 26% response rate was observed in 27 patients previously treated with PCV chemotherapy.
• Two chemotherapy-naive patients achieved complete response; median time to progression was 13 months for responders.

Conclusions:

• Temozolomide demonstrates promise as a treatment for recurrent anaplastic oligodendroglioma.
• The drug exhibits an acceptable safety profile in this patient population.
• Patients refractory to PCV chemotherapy may benefit from temozolomide treatment.