Long-term use of temozolomide: could you use temozolomide safely for life in gliomas?
Temozolomide (TMZ) is an alkylating agent used in the management of gliomas. Although TMZ is generally safe and acute toxicity is well documented, there are limited data on long-term toxicities. We present three patients with glioma; all patients started on TMZ after having progressed following primary treatment. These patients have continued TMZ for 5 years, 7 years and 8 years respectively. So far they have had no serious side effects. We discuss these patients while raising the question of prolonged TMZ use.
Khasraw
Mustafa
M
Department of Medical Oncology, Royal North Shore Hospital, Pacific Highway, St Leonards, New South Wales 2065, Australia. mkhasraw@med.usyd.edu.au
Bell
David
D
Wheeler
Helen
H
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D018906:Antineoplastic Agents, Alkylating / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D001254:Astrocytoma / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000532:radiotherapy / Q000601:surgery; D001921:Brain / Q000187:drug effects / Q000473:pathology; D001932:Brain Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000532:radiotherapy / Q000601:surgery; D003606:Dacarbazine / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000031:analogs & derivatives*; D064420:Drug-Related Side Effects and Adverse Reactions; D005909:Glioblastoma / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000532:radiotherapy / Q000601:surgery; D005910:Glioma / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000532:radiotherapy / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009364:Neoplasm Recurrence, Local / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000517:prevention & control; D019635:Neurosurgical Procedures / Q000379:methods; D011878:Radiotherapy / Q000379:methods; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D000077204:Temozolomide; D013995:Time; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D018906:Antineoplastic Agents, Alkylating; D003606:Dacarbazine; D000077204:Temozolomide