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Successful chemotherapy for recurrent malignant oligodendroglioma
J G Cairncross1, D R Macdonald
1Department of Clinical Neurological Sciences, University of Western Ontario, London, Canada.
Annals of Neurology
|April 1, 1988
Summary
Systemic chemotherapy effectively treated recurrent malignant oligodendroglioma in 8 patients. All showed responses, with one complete and seven partial responses, indicating this cancer is uniquely sensitive to chemotherapy.
Area of Science:
- Neuro-oncology
- Medical Oncology
- Clinical Pharmacology
Background:
- Recurrent malignant oligodendroglioma presents a significant therapeutic challenge.
- Limited effective systemic treatment options exist for recurrent oligodendroglioma.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of systemic chemotherapy in patients with recurrent malignant oligodendroglioma.
- To assess response rates and duration of response to various chemotherapeutic agents.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 8 consecutive patients with recurrent malignant oligodendroglioma.
- Treatment regimens included procarbazine, lomustine (CCNU), and vincristine; carmustine (BCNU); or diaziquone.
- Response assessment based on clinical evaluation and computed tomographic (CT) scan criteria.
Main Results:
- All 8 patients demonstrated clinical and CT scan-confirmed responses.
- One patient achieved a complete response lasting 78 weeks.
- Seven patients experienced partial responses ranging from 30+ to 68+ weeks, with two achieving systemic metastasis control.
Conclusions:
- Malignant oligodendroglioma exhibits unique chemosensitivity.
- Systemic chemotherapy is a viable and effective treatment modality for recurrent malignant oligodendroglioma.
- Further investigation into optimal chemotherapy regimens is warranted.