Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 10, 2026
Tumor Treating Field Therapy in Combination with Bevacizumab for the Treatment of Recurrent Glioblastoma
Published on: October 27, 2014
Editorial: what is new in the treatment of gliomas?
Purpose Of Review:
In this editorial, we seek to critically analyse currently available options for the treatment of gliomas in order to provide guidance for evidence-based therapeutic decisions.
Recent Findings:
Several recently reported trials in gliomas have investigated ways of optimizing traditional treatments (i.e. radiotherapy and cytotoxic chemotherapy), as well as novel approaches such as molecularly targeted therapy.
Summary:
Chemotherapy with temozolomide concomitant with radiotherapy remains a standard of care for glioblastoma, but current efforts are concentrated on confirming phase II results of protracted temozolomide schedules. The role of chemotherapy for grade III and II gliomas lacks phase III evidence but several trials are ongoing. Such trials are stratified by (or designed separately according to) chromosomes 1p/19q codeletion status, and such genetic analysis will thus be essential for therapeutic decisions in the future. The single positive results with targeted therapy remain to date the high response rates with bevacizumab and irinotecan in a phase II trial for recurrent malignant gliomas. Several questions regarding survival benefits and toxicity remain, however. Results of randomized trials of bevacizumab-based combinations are eagerly awaited, and if positive, they will point to antiangiogenesis strategies as the most promising current investigation venue in gliomas.
Insights
Temozolomide with radiotherapy is standard for glioblastoma. Future glioma treatments will rely on genetic analysis and targeted therapies like bevacizumab, pending further trial results.
Area of Science:
- Neuro-oncology
- Clinical trial analysis
- Evidence-based medicine
Background:
- Current glioma treatment landscape involves radiotherapy and cytotoxic chemotherapy.
- Novel therapeutic strategies, including molecularly targeted therapy, are under investigation.
- Optimizing existing treatments is a key focus in recent glioma research.
Discussion:
- Temozolomide chemotherapy concurrent with radiotherapy is the established standard for glioblastoma.
- Phase III evidence for chemotherapy in lower-grade gliomas (grades II and III) is limited, with ongoing trials.
- Genetic analysis, particularly 1p/19q codeletion status, is becoming crucial for guiding therapeutic decisions in gliomas.
Key Insights:
- Protracted temozolomide schedules are being evaluated to confirm Phase II findings.
- Bevacizumab and irinotecan demonstrated high response rates in a Phase II trial for recurrent malignant gliomas.
- Targeted therapy shows promise, but survival benefits and toxicity require further investigation.
Outlook:
- Randomized trials of bevacizumab-based combinations are anticipated.
- Antiangiogenesis strategies represent a promising avenue for future glioma research.
- Personalized medicine approaches based on genetic profiling will likely shape future glioma treatment paradigms.
Related Concept Videos
02:49Cancer Therapies
However, cancer treatments can pose several challenges, as therapies used to kill cancer cells are generally also toxic to normal cells. Moreover, cancer cells mutate rapidly and can develop resistance to chemical agents or radiation therapy. Besides, all types of cancer cells may not respond to the same therapy. Some cancer cells respond to one...
02:56Treatment Resistant Cancers
02:56Treatment Resistent Cancers