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Tumor Treating Field Therapy in Combination with Bevacizumab for the Treatment of Recurrent Glioblastoma
06:15

Tumor Treating Field Therapy in Combination with Bevacizumab for the Treatment of Recurrent Glioblastoma

Published on: October 27, 2014

New therapies for recurrent glioblastomas

Patrick Y Wen1

  • 1Center for Neuro-Oncology, Dana Farber/Brigham & Women's Cancer Center and Division of Neuro-Oncology, Department of Neurology Brigham & Women's Hospital, SW430D, 44 Binney Street, Boston, MA 02115 USA.

F1000 Medicine Reports
|October 16, 2010
PubMed

Insights

Bevacizumab, a targeted therapy, shows promise for recurrent glioblastoma, a deadly brain cancer. This treatment offers improved progression-free survival and response rates in patients with recurring tumors.

Area of Science:

  • Neuro-oncology
  • Medical oncology
  • Cancer research

Background:

  • Glioblastomas represent the most aggressive primary brain tumors.
  • Recurrent glioblastomas have historically shown poor outcomes with limited effective therapies.
  • Standard treatments often fail to prevent tumor recurrence and progression.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the efficacy of bevacizumab in patients with recurrent glioblastomas.
  • To assess the impact of bevacizumab on response rates and progression-free survival.
  • To provide evidence supporting the use of bevacizumab for recurrent brain tumors.

Main Methods:

  • Phase II clinical studies were conducted.
  • Bevacizumab, a humanized monoclonal antibody targeting vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), was administered.
  • Patient response rates and 6-month progression-free survival were primary endpoints.

Main Results:

  • Bevacizumab demonstrated significant activity in recurrent glioblastomas.
  • Response rates ranged from 26% to 40%.
  • 6-month progression-free survival was extended to 36%-50% in treated patients.

Conclusions:

  • Bevacizumab is an active agent in the treatment of recurrent glioblastomas.
  • The drug's efficacy led to its accelerated approval by the US Food and Drug Administration.
  • Bevacizumab offers a new therapeutic option for patients with advanced brain cancer.

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