Temozolomide and thalidomide in the treatment of glioblastoma multiforme.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to assess efficacy and toxicity of temozolomide given alone or in combination with thalidomide, an anti-angiogenetic drug, in patients with newly diagnosed glioblastoma multiforme (GBM).


METHODS
46 patients with histologically proven GBM were eligible for inclusion. Twenty-three patients (15 males and 8 females) received temozolomide on a conventional schedule; 23 patients (12 males and 11 females) received temozolomide on the same schedule and thalidomide was dose-adjusted in each individual patient based on their tolerance.


RESULTS
The median survival time was 12 months for temozolomide and 13 months for temozolomide + thalidomide.


CONCLUSIONS
The administration of temozolomide in association with thalidomide after radiotherapy (RT) does not offer an advantage over temozolomide alone in adults with newly diagnosed GBM. The two therapeutic strategies produce similar results for survival, but the latter regimen shows a moderate increase in toxicity.
Riva
M
M
Department of Neurooncology, Niguarda Hospital, Milan, Italy. maurizio.riva@ospedaleniguarda.it
Imbesi
F
F
Beghi
E
E
Galli
C
C
Citterio
A
A
Trapani
P
P
Sterzi
R
R
Collice
M
M
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000971:Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001932:Brain Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000532:radiotherapy / Q000601:surgery; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D003606:Dacarbazine / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005260:Female; D005909:Glioblastoma / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000532:radiotherapy / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D000077204:Temozolomide; D013792:Thalidomide / Q000008:administration & dosage
D013792:Thalidomide; D003606:Dacarbazine; D000077204:Temozolomide