Emerging drugs for malignant glioma.
BACKGROUND
Malignant gliomas are amongst the most devastating and intractable of all cancers. The most common malignant glioma, glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), is associated with a median survival in the range of 12-15 months. Survival for patients with GBM has improved with the addition of temozolomide chemotherapy to post-operative radiotherapy. Further advances in the treatment of malignant glioma will hinge on the discovery of novel and likely targeted therapies with activity against these diseases.


OBJECTIVE
Review recent published experience using targeted therapeutics for malignant glioma.


METHODS
Key studies from a Medline review of targeted therapies for malignant glioma performed between 2000 and the present are summarised in this review.


CONCLUSIONS
Experience with targeted therapeutics for malignant glioma has been to date disappointing. These agents are generally well tolerated, but activity is limited. Novel therapeutics with activity against malignant gliomas must be identified to improve prognosis for patients with these diseases.
Mason
Warren P
WP
Princess Margaret Hospital, Department of Medicine, 610 University Avenue, Suite 18-717, Toronto, Ontario, M5G 2M9, Canada. warren.mason@uhn.on.ca
D000818:Animals; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001932:Brain Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D015507:Drugs, Investigational / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005910:Glioma / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D015507:Drugs, Investigational