scholarly journals Modern Radiotherapy for Malignant Brain Tumors including the Role of Surgery in Radiotherapy(Progress in Treatment for Malignant Gliomas)

2010 ◽  
Vol 19 (12) ◽  
pp. 899-906 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shin-Ichi Miyatake
1998 ◽  
Vol 5 (2) ◽  
pp. 150-162 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tom Mikkelsen

Background: Cytotoxic therapy for malignant gliomas is limited by poor delivery and drug resistance, and local therapy is ineffective in managing migratory cells. However, recent developments in malignant glioma therapy involve trials of cytostatic rather than conventional cytotoxic agents. Methods: The biology of the brain extracellular matrix, tumor invasion, and angiogenesis are reviewed, and the cytostatic agents that inhibit matrix metalloproteinases, angiogenesis, cell proliferation, and signal transduction are discussed, as well as studies of the angiogenic and migratory capacity of malignant brain tumors. Results: Two specific and interrelated areas, anti-invasion (migration) and anti-angiogenesis, are potential areas to develop new treatment strategies. Tumor invasion and angiogenesis are important components of the spread and biologic effects of malignant gliomas. Several proteinase inhibitors are in clinical trial, as well as anti-angiogenic agents and signal transduction cascade inhibitors. Conclusions: Biologic control of brain tumor cell populations may offer a new management approach to add to currently available management options for malignant brain tumors.


1998 ◽  
Vol 5 (2) ◽  
pp. 130-137 ◽  
Author(s):  
Prakash Sampath ◽  
Henry Brem

Background: Despite significant advances in neurosurgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy, the prognosis for patients with malignant brain tumors remains dismal. In an effort to improve control of local disease, we have developed a biodegradable, controlled-release polymer that is implanted directly at the tumor site. Methods: The preclinical and clinical development of the polymeric delivery of chemotherapeutic agents for treatment of patients with malignant gliomas is reviewed. Results: Carmustine (BCNU)-impregnated biodegradable polymer is the first new therapy approved by the FDA for patients with gliomas in 23 years. This delivery system provides high local concentration of drug with minimal systemic toxicity and obviates the need for drug to cross the blood-brain barrier. Randomized, multi-institutional, double-blinded, placebo-controlled studies have shown improved survival in patients treated for gliomas both at initial presentation and at recurrence. Several clinical principles have emerged from the use of this polymer system, and further applications are currently being investigated. Conclusions: Local delivery of therapeutic agents via biodegradable polymers may play an increasing role in patients with brain tumors.


2014 ◽  
Vol 42 (2) ◽  
pp. 171-182 ◽  
Author(s):  
Susan V. Ellor ◽  
Teri Ann Pagano-Young ◽  
Nicholas G. Avgeropoulos

While primary malignant brain tumors account for only two percent of all adult cancers, these neoplasms cause a disproportionate amount of cancer-related disabilities and death. The five-year survival rates for brain tumors are the third lowest among all types of cancer. Malignant gliomas (glioblastoma and anaplastic astrocytoma) comprise the most common types of primary central nervous system (CNS) tumors and have a combined incidence of five to eight cases per 100,000 people. The median survival rate of conservatively treated patients with malignant gliomas is 14 weeks; with surgical resection alone, 20 weeks; with surgery and radiation, 36 weeks; and with the addition of newer biochemotherapies such as temozolomide and bevacizumab, upward of 14-18 months.The profound cost of caring for terminally ill patients with primary malignant brain tumors raises ethical considerations for the American public; the stewardship of health care dollars for the population at large maintains a juxtaposed tension against a dynamic, necessary balance of hope, care, rehabilitation and research efforts for affected patients and their advocates.


Author(s):  
A Lebel ◽  
V Charest ◽  
P Whitlock ◽  
D Charest ◽  
P Morin

Background: Malignant gliomas are the most common and deadly brain tumors. Mean survival rate for a patient diagnosed with a glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) remains slightly over one year. Standard of care consists of treatment with temozolomide (TMZ) and radiotherapy. Recent work has highlighted functions of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in GBM progression and TMZ response even though the information regarding these newly discovered molecules is sparse. The overarching objective of this project was thus to assess the expression of select lncRNAs in GBM tumor samples and in models of TMZ resistance. Methods: A qRT-PCR-based approach was undertaken to measure six lncRNAs in 19 primary GBM samples, four GBM cell lines and in-house developed TMZ-resistant GBM cells. Results: Elevated levels of Hotair and H19 were observed in primary GBM tumors while decreased expression of MEG3 was recorded in the same samples. Interestingly, levels of PANDA increased 3.4-fold in GBM cells resistant to TMZ when compared with their sensitive counterparts. Conclusions: Overall, this work provides evidence of lncRNA deregulation in GBM tumors and reveals a previously unexplored lncRNA potentially involved in TMZ resistance. Modulation of lncRNA targets via RNAi-mediated approaches is envisioned to clarify their function and to strengthen their position as therapeutic options in GBMs.


1992 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
pp. 231-244 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert J. Coffey ◽  
L. Dade Lunsford ◽  
John C. Flickinger

2007 ◽  
Vol 25 (18_suppl) ◽  
pp. 12503-12503 ◽  
Author(s):  
U. Lassen ◽  
K. Grunnet ◽  
M. Kosteljanetz ◽  
B. Hasselbalch ◽  
H. Laursen ◽  
...  

12503 Background: The prognosis of recurrent malignant brain tumors is poor, and no efficacious therapy exists in patients previously treated with radiotherapy and standard chemotherapy. Bevacizumab (B) binds to VEGF and inhibits tumor angiogenesis, and treatment with this drug might induce tumor regression and prolongation of life. Irinotecan (I) is a topoisomerase 1 inhibitor with modest effect on recurrent primary brain tumors. The combination of B and I in recurrent malignant gliomas was presented at ASCO 2006 and showed very encouraging responses. Methods: We report confirmatory results of the combination of B and I in a consecutive series of patients with primary malignant brain tumors recurring after standard primary and secondary treatment (surgery, radiotherapy and standard or secondline chemotherapy).With standard inclusion criteria, including PS 0–2, patients received B as 10mg/kg, and I 125 mg/m2 in patients not treated with enzyme inducing antiepileptic drugs (EIAED) or 340 mg/m2 in patients treated with EIAED every other week until progression or non-manageable toxicity. Response evaluation was performed by MacDonald criteria and MRI scans. Results: The results of 31 patients is presented, 15 with grade IV tumors (Glioblastoma multiforme), 7 with grade III anaplastic astrocytomas, 5 with anaplastic oligodendrogliomas, 1 with anaplastic ependymoma, 1 with hemangiopericytoma, 1 with prolactinoma, and 1 with medulloblastoma. Four patients had complete response, 3 grade IV tumors and 1 anaplastic oligodendroglioma. One patient had partial response (> 50% tumor reduction), 12 had stable disease (3 had tumor reduction between 31 - 45 %). 14 progressed. No grade 4 toxicity was observed and most patients experienced grade 1–2 toxicity. Two tromboembolic events and 1 intestinal perforation were observed. Conclusion: The combination of B and I is safe, induces tumor regression in a substantial number of patients, and can be used as treatment to patients recurring after standard treatment. No significant financial relationships to disclose.


2013 ◽  
Vol 4 (4) ◽  
pp. 45-54
Author(s):  
I S Bryukhovetskiy ◽  
A S Bryukhovetskiy ◽  
P V Mischenko ◽  
I A Merkulov ◽  
Y S Khotimchenko

Modern methods for the treatment of malignant brain tumors are insufficiently effective. One reason for this is that the existing technologies and methods are focused on removing all neoplastic cellsfrom the body. Understanding the mechanisms of systemic migration of stem cells provides a new view on the role of this phenomenon in the development of malignant tumors. Migration and homing of normal stem cells, being originally the regulatory process, ensuring revascularization and remodeling of ischemic or traumatic injury of brain, play a role of the axial conductor of neoplastic process in carcinogenesis. The use of the phenomenon of migration and homing of stem cells in the tumor center for therapeutic purposes opens the possibility of overcoming the blood-brain barrier, reducing the toxicity of chemotherapy and increasing the radiation therapy efficiency, makes possible the directed influence on the hypoxic zone of the tumor, can directly affect to the key life processes of tumor stem cells. These arguments allow to consider the mechanisms of systemic migration and homing of stem cells to neoplastic foci as a fundamental theoretical platform for the creation of a fundamentally new class of anti-cancer, cell personalized medicines.


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