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Evidence-Based Practice: Temozolomide Beyond Glioblastoma

  • Neuro-oncology (Y Umemura, Section Editor)
  • Published:
Current Oncology Reports Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Purpose of Review

Temozolomide is a first-line treatment for newly diagnosed glioblastoma. In this review, we will examine the use of temozolomide in other contexts for treating gliomas, including recurrent glioblastoma, glioblastoma in the elderly, diffuse low- and high-grade gliomas, non-diffuse gliomas, diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG), ependymoma, pilocytic astrocytoma, and pleomorphic xanthoastrocytoma.

Recent Findings

Temozolomide improved survival in older patients with glioblastoma, anaplastic gliomas regardless of 1p/19q deletion status, and progressive ependymomas. Temozolomide afforded less toxicity and comparable efficacy to radiation in high-risk low-grade gliomas and to platinum-based chemotherapy in pediatric high-grade gliomas.

Summary

The success of temozolomide in promoting survival has expanded beyond glioblastoma to benefit patients with non-glioblastoma tumors. Identifying practical biomarkers for predicting temozolomide susceptibility, and establishing complementary agents for chemosensitizing tumors to temozolomide, will be key next steps for future success.

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  1. Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, 1500 E. Medical Center Dr., 1914 Taubman Center, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA

    Jason Chua, Elizabeth Nafziger & Denise Leung

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  1. Jason Chua
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  2. Elizabeth Nafziger
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Chua, J., Nafziger, E. & Leung, D. Evidence-Based Practice: Temozolomide Beyond Glioblastoma. Curr Oncol Rep 21, 30 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11912-019-0783-5

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