Use of modified PCV chemotherapy as principal therapy for adults with incompletely resected or recurrent low-grade glioma: A retrospective review

2006 ◽  
Vol 24 (18_suppl) ◽  
pp. 1571-1571
Author(s):  
E. B. Arenson ◽  
J. Bank ◽  
M. Pierick ◽  
C. Greenwald ◽  
J. McVicker ◽  
...  

1571 Background: In order to assess outcomes of patients treated with chemotherapy versus a more standard approach of radiotherapy (RT), we reviewed 48 patients with newly diagnosed, partially resected or recurrent low-grade glioma (LGG) treated between 1996 and the present. Methods: Patients were divisible into three groups: those treated with chemotherapy ± RT before (Group A, 28 patients) or after (Group B, 13 patients) radiographic progression, and those with recurrences after treatment with RT (Group C, 7 patients). Diagnoses included astrocytoma (23%), oligodendroglioma (48%) and mixed glioma (29%). 39 patients were treated with chemotherapy alone and 9 received post-chemotherapy RT. Chemotherapy consisted of PCV in one case; all other patients received modified PCV (MPCV) which variably included addition of carboplatin (200–360 mg/m2) and etoposide (150 mg/m2) and substitution of temozolomide (150 mg/m2 × 5 doses) for procarbazine. The intent was to treat monthly for one year. Results: Patients received a mean of 10 courses of MPCV; 481 cycles were given. There were no deaths or admissions during chemotherapy. Grade III/IV toxicities occurred in 108 cycles (25 patients), 107 hem. and 1 GI. Late events included 1 case of MDS and 1 AML. There were no cases of disease progression during chemotherapy. Two patients stopped MPCV early, one because of worsening seizures (2 cycles) and one by personal preference (1 cycle); both died of disease. With median follow-up of 46 months (range 4–120) from initiation of chemotherapy, overall survival and progression-free survival were 89% and 79% for Group A, 91% and 83% for Group B, and 100% and 86% for Group C. Of 7 patients (15%) who recurred after completing chemotherapy, 2 have died; both had received post-chemotherapy RT and had clinical features of GBM. Four patients are either lost to follow-up (2) or alive with stable disease (2) following additional treatment. Conclusions: 1. MPCV is a tolerable regimen which can be given more aggressively than standard PCV. 2. There is minimal risk of early disease progression with MPCV. 3. Results support a prospective trial comparing MPCV to RT in patients with progressive unresectable LGG, and use of MPCV as salvage therapy for patients who fail RT. No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Blood ◽  
2007 ◽  
Vol 110 (11) ◽  
pp. 4812-4812
Author(s):  
Maria Roussou ◽  
Efstathios Kastritis ◽  
Athanasios Anagnostopoulos ◽  
Evangelos Eleftherakis-Papaiakovou ◽  
Charis Matsouka ◽  
...  

Abstract Introduction: The effectiveness of thalidomide based regimens (TBR) in patients with relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma is well established. However, there are still limited data regarding the long term follow up after such regimens and the outcome of patients when they progress and they receive further treatment. In order to answer these questions we evaluated a series of 114 patients with relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma who were treated with TBR. None of these patients had previously received thalidomide, bortezomib or lenalidomide. Patients and Methods: All patients were treated with thalidomide and dexamethasone with or without other oral agents. More specifically 41 patients had received continuous thalidomide and pulse dexamethasone, 25 patients clarithromycin, continuous thalidomide and pulse dexamethasone, 43 patients intermittent thalidomide, pulse dexamethasone and cyclophosphamide and 5 patients continuous thalidomide, pulse dexamethasone and cyclophosphamide. Type of treatment at the time of progression after TBR, response to this treatment and progression free survival were recorded for each patient. Moreover, patients who received novel agents after progression to TBR, were divided into 2 subgroups, according to their resistance to thalidomide. In group A, patients had refractory or progressive myeloma while on TBR or within 2 months after discontinuation of TBR. In group B, myeloma progressed more than 2 months after discontinuation of TBR. Results: Among the 114 patients, 41 had not responded to TBR and 73 (64%) had achieved at least a partial response. The median PFS for all patients was 8 months. As of June 2007, 10 patients remain without progression from 28 to 81 months (median 54 months). Eight patients remain off treatment and without progression for a median of 56 months (range 28–81). Patients who did not respond to or progressed after TBR were analyzed for further treatment and outcome. Thirty eight patients (37%) died before receiving further treatment, 23 patients (23%) received conventional chemotherapy and 41 patients (40%) received continuous thalidomide and dexamethasone +/− clarithromycin or cyclophosphamide (17 patients), bortezomib and dexamethasone (7 patients), melphalan-bortezomib-dexamethasone and intermittent thalidomide (12 patients) or lenalidomide with dexamethasone (5 patients). Among these 41 patients, 24 were classified in group A (thalidomide resistant) and 17 in group B. Overall 17 (41%) achieved at least partial response after retreatment with novel agent-based regimens. A response was observed in 46% of patients in group A and in 35% of patients in group B. The median progression free survival of the 41 patients who received retreatment with novel agents was 9.2 months and the median survival was 17 months. Among the 23 patients who received conventional chemotherapy only five (21%) patients responded and the progression free survival and the median survival were 5.3 and 10.2 months, respectively. Conclusions: After an oral TBR regimen 6 (5%) patients remain without treatment and free of progression for more than 4 years. A significant number of patients who progressed after TBR and who received further treatment which included a novel agent achieved a response, including several patients who were resistant to TBR.


2005 ◽  
Vol 102 ◽  
pp. 71-74 ◽  
Author(s):  
Piero Picozzi ◽  
Marco Losa ◽  
Pietro Mortini ◽  
Micol Angela Valle ◽  
Alberto Franzin ◽  
...  

Object. The authors studied the efficacy of gamma knife radiosurgery (GKS) in the prevention of regrowth of nonfunctioning pituitary adenomas (NPA). Methods. One hundred nineteen patients were included in this study and were divided into two groups. All patients had undergone surgery in our department and recurrent or residual adenoma was demonstrated on postoperative MR imaging. Group A consisted of 68 patients who were followed without additional treatment. Group B was composed of 51 patients who received GKS within 1 year after microsurgery. There was no significant demographic difference between the two groups. In Group B the mean margin dose was 16.5 ± 0.3 Gy (range 13–21 Gy). Fifty one and one tenth percent of patients in Group A were recurrence free at 5 years and 89.8% in Group B (p < 0.001). In Group B patients, tumor volume decreased from a baseline value of 2.4 ± 0.2 cm3 to 1.6 ± 0.2 cm3 at last follow up (p < 0.001). Conclusions. The results of this study suggest that GKS is effective in controlling growth of residual NPA for at least 5 years following initial maximal surgical debulking compared with no radiation therapy. Thus, GKS is recommended after microsurgery when visible tumor can be detected on imaging studies.


2002 ◽  
Vol 20 (20) ◽  
pp. 4209-4216 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maura Massimino ◽  
Filippo Spreafico ◽  
Graziella Cefalo ◽  
Riccardo Riccardi ◽  
John David Tesoro-Tess ◽  
...  

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to avoid radiotherapy and to induce an objective response in children with low-grade glioma (LGG) using a simple chemotherapy regimen based on cisplatin and etoposide. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Thirty-four children (median age, 45 months) with unresectable LGG were treated with 10 monthly cycles of cisplatin (30 mg/m2/d on days 1 to 3) and etoposide (150 mg/m2/d on days 1 to 3). Tumor originated in the visual pathway in 29 patients, in the temporal lobe in two, in the frontal lobe in two, and in the spine in one. Eight children were affected by neurofibromatosis type 1. Objective tumor response and toxicity were evaluated by magnetic resonance imaging and neurologic and functional tests at 3-month intervals. RESULTS: An objective response was obtained in 24 (70%) of 34 patients, whereas the others had stable disease. None of the children were electively irradiated. In 31 previously untreated children, overall survival was 100% and progression-free survival was 78% at 3 years, with a median follow-up of 44 months. Acute toxicity was unremarkable; 28% patients evaluated for acoustic neurotoxicity revealed a loss of perception of high frequencies. CONCLUSION: Cisplatin and etoposide combined treatment is one of the most active regimens for LGG in children and allows avoidance of radiotherapy in the vast majority of patients.


2005 ◽  
Vol 102 (Special_Supplement) ◽  
pp. 71-74 ◽  
Author(s):  
Piero Picozzi ◽  
Marco Losa ◽  
Pietro Mortini ◽  
Micol Angela Valle ◽  
Alberto Franzin ◽  
...  

Object. The authors studied the efficacy of gamma knife radiosurgery (GKS) in the prevention of regrowth of nonfunctioning pituitary adenomas (NPA). Methods. One hundred nineteen patients were included in this study and were divided into two groups. All patients had undergone surgery in our department and recurrent or residual adenoma was demonstrated on postoperative MR imaging. Group A consisted of 68 patients who were followed without additional treatment. Group B was composed of 51 patients who received GKS within 1 year after microsurgery. There was no significant demographic difference between the two groups. In Group B the mean margin dose was 16.5 ± 0.3 Gy (range 13–21 Gy). Fifty one and one tenth percent of patients in Group A were recurrence free at 5 years and 89.8% in Group B (p < 0.001). In Group B patients, tumor volume decreased from a baseline value of 2.4 ± 0.2 cm3 to 1.6 ± 0.2 cm3 at last follow up (p < 0.001). Conclusions. The results of this study suggest that GKS is effective in controlling growth of residual NPA for at least 5 years following initial maximal surgical debulking compared with no radiation therapy. Thus, GKS is recommended after microsurgery when visible tumor can be detected on imaging studies.


2009 ◽  
Vol 27 (15_suppl) ◽  
pp. 2017-2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. L. Gruber ◽  
S. Raza ◽  
D. Gruber ◽  
A. Narayana

2017 Background: Prognosis of glioblastoma (GBM) is very poor. Standard treatment includes surgical resection (SR), radiation (RT), concomitant and adjuvant chemotherapy with temozolomide (TMZ). Our objective is to assess the treatment efficacy, safety and survival in patients with newly-diagnosed GBM treated with RT, TMZ, and bevacizumab in the upfront management. Methods: From 2006–2008, 51 eligible patients (age >18, KPS >70) with newly-diagnosed GBM divided into two groups. Group A (n = 20) was treated with RT (60Gy) and concomitant TMZ (75mg/m2 daily for 42 days) with bevacizumab (10mg/kg every 2 weeks), 29 days following surgery, followed by up to six cycles of adjuvant TMZ (150mg/m2,daily x 7d, q28 with bevacizumab at 10mg/kg days 8 and 22 of each 28 day cycle. Group B (n = 31) received similar treatment without bevacizumab. Both groups were followed up until tumor progression (PFS). Recurrence was defined according to MacDonald Criteria. The end points were PFS, overall survival (OS) and toxicity. Results: Median bevacizumab infusions were 12 (4–32). Median follow-up was14 months for both groups. 6 months PFS survival in Group A was 77.5% and in Group B was 51.6%. Median PFS in Group A was 17 months compared to 7 months in Group B (p < 0.0001, HR = 0.26). Median OS has not been reached in Group A and was 17 months in Group B. One and 2 year OS were 83% and 57% in Group A compared to 72% and 6.5% in Group B (p = 0.02) ). Post-RT and temodar toxicities include thrombocytopenia (1 patient; Gr 3 and fatigue (3 patient;1 Gr 3), bevacizumab related toxicities with RT include leg ulcer with cellulites (1 patient; Gr 3) and pulmonary embolism with thrombocytopenia (1 patient; Gr 4), hypertension (2 patients; Gr 1), and asymptomatic blood products on MRI (2 patients). Conclusions: Bevacizumab has demonstrated efficacy, acceptable toxicity, improved PFS and OS in the upfront management of GBM. No significant financial relationships to disclose.


2019 ◽  
Vol 21 (Supplement_6) ◽  
pp. vi143-vi143
Author(s):  
Ushio Yonezawa ◽  
Fumiyuki Yamasaki ◽  
Motoki takano ◽  
Hiroki Taniguchi ◽  
Kazuhiko Sugiyama ◽  
...  

Abstract PURPOSE Posterior fossa ependymoma is classified as PFA and PFB based on underlying genetic/mutational characteristics, and PFA is reported to have poor prognosis compared to PFB. Recently, immunohistochemical findings of negative H3K27me3 have been reported to suggest PFA and attracted the attention as a surrogate marker. We classified our cases into PFA and PFB guided by immunohistochemical staining results of H3K27me3 and examined their clinical course. MATERIALS AND METHODS Between 1999 and 2018, 17 cases of posterior fossa ependymoma were treated at our institute. Negative immunostaining for H3K27me3 was classified as PFA, and positive as PFB. We evaluated age, gender, pathological diagnosis, progression free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) in both groups. RESULTS Nine cases were classified as PFA and eight as PFB. The median age of the PFA group was 4 years-old, 4 males, 5 females, pathological diagnosis was ependymoma in 5, and anaplastic ependymoma in 4 cases. The median follow-up period was 50 months, recurrence was confirmed in 5 cases (56%), PFS was 27.6 months. Three of the 5 patients who relapsed died (33%), and the OS was 50 months. The median age of the PFB group was 50 years, 4 males and 4 females, the pathological diagnosis was ependymoma in 6, and the anaplastic ependymoma in 2 cases. The median follow-up period was 111 months, recurrence was observed in 2 cases (25%), PFS was 98 months and all patients were alive during the period of this research. CONCLUSION Immunohistochemical results of H3K27me3 correlated with prognosis, implying the possibility of it being a surrogate marker of posterior fossa ependymoma.


2013 ◽  
Vol 7 (02) ◽  
pp. 110-115 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sanjim Chadha ◽  
Preena Bhalla ◽  
Arun Kumar Jha ◽  
Hitender Gautam ◽  
Sanjeev Saini ◽  
...  

Introduction: In developing countries the standard methods used to monitor HIV disease progression and therapy response are clinical assessment, CD4+ T lymphocyte count measurement, and plasma viral load (PVL) quantification. These tests require expensive equipment and skilled technicians, so monitoring HIV in resource-limited countries remains challenging as few laboratories can offer these tests free of cost. Methodology: Newly diagnosed HIV seropositive subjects (n = 130) were categorized into three study groups: CD4 counts <200 cells/µl (group A, 43 subjects); 200-500 cells/µl (group B, 44 subjects); and >500 cells/µl (group C, 43 subjects). At recruitment, PVL estimation was performed for group A subjects only, who were then initiated on highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) and were followed up after six months for evaluation of response to HAART by measuring the CD4 counts and PVL. Groups B and C were followed up after six months to monitor disease progression by measuring only CD4 counts. Results: Among group A subjects, a rise in the median CD4 counts after six months of HAART was observed. At baseline, PVL ranged from 2636 to >750,000 copies/ml with a median PVL at baseline of 165,000 copies/ml. At follow-up, 90% of the study subjects had undetectable levels of viraemia. Among group B and C subjects, a fall in the CD4 counts at follow-up was observed. Conclusions: CD4 count is a powerful tool to determine response to antiretroviral therapy (ART) and monitor disease progression in HIV/AIDS. PVL is important to assess response to ART, especially in immunovirologic discordant responses.


VASA ◽  
2008 ◽  
Vol 37 (2) ◽  
pp. 151-156 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ott ◽  
Heller ◽  
Odermatt ◽  
Furrer

Background: Thromboembolic complications in relation to carotid endarterectomies (CEA) are frequently associated with technical errors. We analyzed prospectively the impact of intraoperative duplex ultrasonography (IODS) in CEA on immediate revision and postoperative results. Patients and methods: We have observed 70 patients with 74 CEA. Indications for surgery were asymptomatic high grade stenosis (70–99%) or symptomatic stenosis of > 50%. IODS findings were rated as "relevant", "minor" or "normal". Relevant findings were immediately repaired. Peri- and postoperative neurological events were analyzed in Duplex Scans controls in a median length of follow-up of 17.3 months. Outcome of patients with "minor" findings (group A) were compared with patients having "normal" or corrected "relevant" findings (group B). Results: In 8/74 cases (11%) we found relevant findings leading to immediate revision. In 25/74 (34%) cases minor findings were detected which were not revised. In group A (n = 25, 34%) two asymptomatic occlusions and one recurrent high grade stenosis were found during follow-up. In group B (n = 49, 66%) we detected two high and two low grade stenosis. The 30 day death and stroke rate was 1.4% (n = 1). Conclusions: IODS is a sensitive method to detect immediately pathological findings. Its correction seems to reduce the incidence of early occlusions and therefore early neurological events.


Blood ◽  
2004 ◽  
Vol 104 (11) ◽  
pp. 3700-3700
Author(s):  
Anna Locasciulli ◽  
Barbara Bruno ◽  
Alessandro Rambaldi ◽  
Paola Saracco ◽  
Carlo Dufour ◽  
...  

Abstract Background and objective. In a previous study we showed encouraging outcome in severe aplastic anemia (SAA) patients treated with anti-lymphocyte globulin (ALG), cyclosporin (CyA) and G-CSF 5mg/Kg/day (Blood2000; 95: 1931–4.). However failure to respond, delayed responses, partial responses, relapses and early deaths remain signifcant problems. The aim of the present study was to test whether an increased dose of G-CSF (10 mg/Kg/day) would reduce these complications. Design and methods. This is a multicenter prospective trial in 77 SAA patients treated with horse ALG (15 mg/kg/day day1–5) and CyA (5 mg/kg/day day 1–180). Patients were randomized to receive G-CSF 5 mg/Kg/day (n=38, group A) or 10 mg/Kg/day (n=39, group B) from day +1 to day +30. All patients then received G-CSF 5 mg/Kg/day from day +31 to day +90. Primary end point was response at day +120. Secondary end points were early deaths , blood counts at day +120, and survival. Results. At day +120 responses were classified as absent, partial, complete in 12, 22, 4 patients in group A and in 23, 7, 9 patients in group B (p=0.001). At last follow up these figures were respectively 9,12,17 vs 19,2,18 (p=0.004). Thirteen patients (5 in group A and 8 in group B) died before day 120 (p=0.3). Median peripheral blood counts an day 120 were comparable in the two groups: Hb 10.5 vs 9.5 gr% (p=0.6), Neutrophils 2.4 vs 1.9x10^9/l (p=0.4) and platelets 42 vs 36 x10^9/l (p=0.3). The actuarial survival at 4 years is 72% in group A vs 67% in group B (p=0.3). An additional finding of this study is a strong age effect, with an actuarial 4 year survival of 81% in patients aged 0–20 , 80% in patients aged 21–40 and 34% in patients over 40 (p=0.0002). This correlated with the inability of older patients to increase their white blood cell (WBC) counts above 5x10^9/L, during G-CSF treatment. In a multivariate COX analysis patient age and highest WBC counts during G-CSF, were both significant predictors of survival. Interpretation and conclusions. Increasing the dose of G-CSF does not appear to reduce early deaths, does not improve peripheral blood counts nor survival, and may reduce the response rate in patients with SAA receiving ALG and CyA. Older age and failure to improve WBC are negative predictors of survival.


2007 ◽  
Vol 25 (18_suppl) ◽  
pp. 5106-5106 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. Dham ◽  
A. Z. Dudek

5106 Background: Sunitinib and sorafenib are two small-molecule tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI) that have been shown to have antitumor activity in advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC). However, the optimal sequence of first- and second-line therapies with sunitinib and sorafenib is still unclear. The purpose of this study was to assess whether an objective disease response could be identified in patients after receiving sequential treatment with these two agents. Methods: Patients who had progressed or experienced unacceptable toxicity after first-line therapy with either sunitinib or sorafenib and then subsequently received second-line therapy with the other TKI agent were evaluated for their response to sequential treatment using RECIST criteria. Results: Thirty-seven patients were identified (29 male and 8 female) with a median age of 62 years (range 32–75). Twenty-three patients received sorafenib followed by sunitinib (Group A), and 14 patients received sunitinib followed by sorafenib (Group B). According to Memorial Sloan-Kettering prognostic model, 35% of patients in Group A had favorable risk, 52% had intermediate and 13% had poor risk, whereas 50% of patients in Group B had favorable risk, 43% had intermediate and 7% had poor risk. Three patients (13%) in Group A and two (14%) in Group B switched TKI due to toxicity, while all remaining patients switched due to disease progression. For patients in Group A, median duration of stable disease after starting sunitinib was 32 weeks (range 6–37 weeks)(median follow up 266 days); 9% were not evaluable for response to treatment; 34% had disease progression; and four patients (17%) had an objective partial response of 31%, 36%, 27% and 50%, respectively. For patients in Group B, median duration of stable disease after starting sorafenib was 8 weeks (range 4–10 weeks) (median follow up 179 days); 7% were not evaluable for response to treatment; 50% had disease progression; and one patient (7%) had no evidence of disease after tumor resection. The median duration of disease control in Groups A and B was 42 weeks (range: 10–113 wks) and 30.5 weeks (range: 4–56 wks), respectively. Conclusions: While disease control was observed in both sequences, the duration of response was longer in patients receiving sorafenib followed by sunitinib. [Table: see text]


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