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Published on: February 16, 2015
Chemotherapeutic options for primary brain tumors
1Neuro-Oncology Branch, National Cancer Institute and National Institutes of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bloch Building 82, 9030 Old Georgetown Road, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA. lkim@nih.gov
Current Treatment Options in Oncology
|October 13, 2006
Summary
Malignant gliomas have poor outcomes, but chemotherapy, like temozolomide with radiation, shows promise. Molecular markers, such as MGMT promoter methylation, predict better treatment response and survival in brain tumors.
Area of Science:
- Neuro-oncology
- Molecular Genetics
- Chemotherapy
Background:
- Malignant gliomas are primary brain tumors with inadequate treatments and high recurrence rates.
- Surgery and radiation are standard, but chemotherapy's role in glioblastoma multiforme remains debated.
- Recent advances highlight chemotherapy's effectiveness in specific brain tumors and the importance of molecular markers.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current state of chemotherapy in treating malignant gliomas.
- To discuss the impact of molecular genetic findings on diagnosis and treatment strategies.
- To explore novel therapeutic approaches and ongoing clinical trials.
Main Methods:
- Review of recent clinical trials and molecular genetic studies.
- Analysis of treatment outcomes for various malignant brain tumors.
- Identification of predictive biomarkers for chemotherapy response.
Main Results:
- Radiation therapy combined with temozolomide significantly improved survival in newly diagnosed glioblastoma.
- Anaplastic oligodendrogliomas, primary CNS lymphomas, medulloblastomas, and germ cell tumors show high chemosensitivity.
- Chromosome 1p/19q loss predicts chemosensitivity and survival in anaplastic oligodendroglioma.
- MGMT promoter methylation is linked to better response and survival with temozolomide in glioblastoma.
Conclusions:
- Chemotherapy, particularly temozolomide, offers improved outcomes for malignant gliomas, especially when combined with radiation.
- Molecular markers like 1p/19q loss and MGMT promoter methylation are crucial for personalized treatment strategies.
- Ongoing research into novel agents and targeted therapies holds promise for advancing malignant glioma treatment.
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