Hematological adverse events in the management of glioblastoma

Hematological adverse events (HAEs) are common during treatment for glioblastoma (GBM), usually associated with temozolomide (TMZ). Their clinical value is uncertain, as few investigations have focused on outcomes for HAEs during GBM treatment.

We combined data from two randomized clinical trials, RTOG 0525 and RTOG 0825, to analyze HAEs during treatment for GBM. We investigated differences between chemoradiation and adjuvant therapy, and by regimen received during adjuvant treatment.

1454 patients participated in these trials, of which 1154 (79.4%) developed HAEs. During chemoradiation, 44.4% of patients developed HAEs (54% involving more than one cell line), and were most commonly lymphopenia (50.6%), and thrombocytopenia (47.5%). During adjuvant treatment, 45% of patients presented HAEs (78.6% involving more than one cell line), and were more commonly leukopenia (62.7%), and thrombocytopenia (62.3%). Median overall survival (OS) and progression free survival (PFS) were longer in patients with HAEs (OS 19.4 months and PFS 9.9 months) compared to those with other or no adverse events (OS 14.1 months and PFS 5.9 months). There was no significant difference in survival between grade 1 and/or 2 versus grade 3 and/or 4 HAEs. History of HAEs during chemoradiation was a protective factor for presentation of HAEs during adjuvant therapy.

HAEs are common during GBM treatment, and often involve more than one cell line (more likely during adjuvant therapy). HAEs may be associated with prolonged OS and PFS, particularly during adjuvant therapy. HAEs during chemoradiation was a protective factor for HAEs during adjuvant therapy.