Despite intensive treatment with standard methods, recurrent malignant gliomas (specifically, anaplastic astrocytoma and glioblastoma multiforme) have a poor prognosis. Thus, new treatment strategies that address the issues of symptom control, curtailing progression and overall survival are urgently needed.
In this regard, Temozolomide (TEMODER, TMZ) is a novel, oral alkylating agent which has been approved for the treatment of patients with recurrent malignant glioma in many countries, though not in Japan. The effects of TMZ were investigated in patients (n=10) with glioblastoma multiforme, anaplastic astrocytoma, or anaplastic oligodendroglioma. TMZ achieved high rates for partial response (20%) and disease stabilization (50%). Also, there was a positive correlation between the clinical response to TMZ and Karnofsky performance status (KPS) before treatment with TMZ, but not with the number of other treatments given before treatment with TMZ. The major adverse events were anorexia (40%), diarrhea (30%), and somnolence (40%).
In view of its dependable safety profile, clinical efficacy, and convenient dosing, TMZ could be an effective therapy that provides important quality-of-life benefits for Japanese patients with recurrent malignant glioma.
