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Chemotherapy of brain tumors
1Department of Neurosurgery, University of California, San Francisco 94117, USA. pradosm@neuro.ucsf.edu
Seminars in Surgical Oncology
|January 4, 1998
Summary
Chemotherapy for malignant brain tumors, especially adult gliomas, has seen limited success. However, new drug development and trials show promise for improved outcomes in both adult and pediatric brain neoplasms.
Area of Science:
- Neuro-oncology
- Medical Oncology
- Clinical Pharmacology
Background:
- Chemotherapy has historically shown minimal success in treating malignant brain tumors, particularly adult malignant gliomas.
- No new drugs have been approved for adult malignant gliomas since the 1960s, despite ongoing research.
- Recent clinical trials suggest improved outcomes with newer agents in specific tumor types.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review completed clinical trials for newly diagnosed and recurrent adult gliomas.
- To discuss ongoing new drug studies for adult brain neoplasms.
- To present findings on pediatric brain tumors and chemotherapy's role.
Main Methods:
- Review of completed and ongoing clinical trials for adult and pediatric brain tumors.
- Discussion of new antineoplastic agents in Phase I and II trials.
- Analysis of chemotherapy's role in multimodal treatment strategies.
Main Results:
- Limited success historically with chemotherapy in adult malignant gliomas.
- Emerging positive results from recent clinical trials with novel agents.
- Chemotherapy is a primary treatment for pediatric brain tumors, improving survival and reducing morbidity.
Conclusions:
- Newer chemotherapeutic agents show promise for improved outcomes in brain tumor treatment.
- Chemotherapy plays a significant role in managing both adult and pediatric brain neoplasms, especially in combination therapies.
- Advancements in understanding tumor biology are driving new drug development strategies.