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Current chemotherapy for glioblastoma.
1Neuro-Oncology Service, Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California 94143-0350, USA.
Cancer Journal (Sudbury, Mass.)
|September 4, 2003
Summary
Chemotherapy, including cytotoxic and cytostatic agents, plays a crucial role in improving outcomes for glioblastoma multiforme patients. Emerging delivery methods and ongoing clinical trials offer future hope for enhanced glioblastoma treatment.
Area of Science:
- Neuro-oncology
- Cancer Chemotherapy
Background:
- Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) presents a poor prognosis despite aggressive treatments.
- Multimodality therapy, with chemotherapy as a key component, offers limited but important therapeutic impact.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current chemotherapy options for glioblastoma (GBM).
- To explore the role of different chemotherapeutic agents and novel delivery methods in GBM treatment.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of current glioblastoma multiforme chemotherapy.
- MEDLINE search (2000-2002) for clinical trials using keywords "chemotherapy AND malignant glioma".
Main Results:
- Several effective cytotoxic chemotherapeutic agents are in clinical use as first-line or second-line treatments.
- Cytostatic agents are emerging as important treatment options for glioblastoma.
- Novel high-dose chemotherapy delivery methods for brain tumors show promise.
Conclusions:
- Chemotherapy significantly improves outcomes for glioblastoma patients, despite the overall poor prognosis.
- Current and developing chemotherapeutic strategies are enhancing the impact on glioblastoma treatment.
- Future clinical trials are expected to further improve glioblastoma treatment outcomes.