Radiation therapy and high-dose tamoxifen in the treatment of patients with diffuse brainstem gliomas: results of a Brazilian cooperative study. Brainstem Glioma Cooperative Group.
OBJECTIVE
The efficacy of radiation therapy (RT) combined with tamoxifen (TX) was tested in patients diagnosed with diffuse brainstem gliomas in a multicenter trial.


METHODS
TX was administered orally (maintenance dose: 200 mg/m(2) per day) along with conventional local RT and then continued for 52 additional weeks. Survival, tumoral radiologic response, and toxicity were evaluated. Compliance was assessed using pharmacokinetic measurements.


RESULTS
Of 29 patients, 27 completed RT (median dose, 54 Gy). Of 22 assessable patients, 11 (50%) had an objective radiologic response. The mean TX steady-state serum level was 2.44 micromol/L +/- 1.02 micromol/L. Only three patients completed the entire course of treatment without tumoral progression or significant toxicity. Common side effects included nausea and vomiting. Hepatotoxicity (five patients), neurotoxicity (two patients), venous thrombosis (one patient), bilateral ovarian cysts (two patients), and transient neutropenia (one patient) were also observed. Median survival was 10.3 months. Only four patients remain alive without tumoral progression. The 1-year survival rate (mean +/- SD) was 37.0% +/- 9.5%.


CONCLUSIONS
This treatment combination produced no significant change in the overall poor prognosis of these patients. Most tumors responded initially to treatment but recurred as the study progressed. A minority of patients seemed to benefit from the extended use of TX. Generally, treatment was well tolerated, with good patient compliance, but we recommend continuous close monitoring for side effects. Based on our poor results, we recommend that alternative treatments be tested in patients with this type of tumor.
Broniscer
A
A
Pediatric Oncology Division, Instituto da Criança, and Department of Radiology, Hospital das Clínicas, São Paulo University Medical School, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil.
Leite
C C
CC
Lanchote
V L
VL
Machado
T M
TM
Cristófani
L M
LM
D000293:Adolescent; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D020295:Brain Stem Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D005260:Female; D005910:Glioma / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D011882:Radiotherapy, High-Energy; D016019:Survival Analysis; D013629:Tamoxifen / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D013629:Tamoxifen