Addition of temozolomide to radiotherapy for treatment of newly diagnosed anaplastic gliomas

• Published in: Journal of clinical oncology Vol. 27; no. 15_suppl; p. e13037
• Main Authors: Simonelli, M., Banna, G., Navarria, P., Di Ieva, A., Zucali, P., De Vincenzo, F., Gaetani, P., Condorelli, R., Rodriguez y Baena, R., Scorsetti, M., Santoro, A.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: 20.05.2009
• ISSN: 0732-183X; 1527-7755
• DOI: 10.1200/jco.2009.27.15_suppl.e13037

Abstract only e13037 Background: Anaplastic astrocytoma (AA), oligodendroglioma (AOD), and oligoastrocytoma (AOA) are rare tumors showing variable outcome due to their histological heterogeneity and different chemo- and radio-sensitivity. The presence of an oligodendroglial component is associated with LOH 1p/19 and a prolonged survival. Currently, the addition of chemotherapy to radiotherapy (RT) for newly diagnosed anaplastic gliomas is not sustained by available data. We evaluated the addition of temozolomide (TMZ) to radiotherapy for newly diagnosed anaplastic gliomas in terms of tolerability, progression-free survival (PFS), and overall survival (OS). Methods: Since September 2004, following initial surgery, patients (pts) with histologically confirmed anaplastic glioma, Karnofsky Performance Status (KPS) ≥40, adequate organ function, no prior chemotherapy, were treated with RT to limited fields once daily at 2 Gy per fraction, 5 days a week, for a total of 60 Gy with concomitant TMZ (75 mg/m 2 for 7 days a week) followed by 6 cycles of maintenance TMZ at 200 mg/m 2 on days 1–5 every 28 days. LOH 1p/19q was assessed by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). Results: Twenty-eight pts were treated, 20 males, 8 females, median age 51 (range, 22–75), median KPS 90 (range, 40–100). Eleven pts had AOD (39%), 10 AA (36%), 6 AOA (21%), 1 pt gliosarcoma (4%). Nine pts (32%) underwent tumor complete resection, 10 partial resection (36%), and 9 (32%) tumor biopsy. In 1 patient with AOD RT and concomitant TMZ were interrupted at 44 Gy because of cerebral oedema, while in 1 patient with AA maintenance TMZ was suspended due to cumulative myelosuppression. Other severe toxicities included one spondilodiscitis, and a cutaneous G3 rush. Frequent mild toxicities were grade 1–2 nausea/vomiting (17 pts-63%), and grade 1–2 asthenia (8 pts-30%). With a median follow-up of 18 months (range, 4–53), median PFS, and 1-year PFS were 14.8 months and 72.6%, respectively; 1-year OS was 84.3%, median OS was not reached yet. Data on LOH 1p-19q available on 16 pts will be presented. Conclusions: The addition of temozolomide to radiation therapy for newly diagnosed anaplastic gliomas is well tolerated and seems active; efficacy needs confirmation in a randomized clinical trial. No significant financial relationships to disclose.