Publication
Bevacizumab alone or in combination with irinotecan in recurrent WHO grade II and grade III gliomas
Journal Paper/Review - Nov 22, 2012
Seystahl Katharina, Wiestler Benedikt, Hundsberger Thomas, Happold Caroline, Wick Wolfgang, Weller Michael, Wick Antje
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PubMed
Doi
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Citation
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Journal
Publication Date
Issn Electronic
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Brief description/objective
BACKGROUND
The repertoire of salvage regimens for patients with WHO grade II and III gliomas recurring or progressing after surgery, radiotherapy and temozolomide chemotherapy is limited. Based on promising response and progression-free survival (PFS) data in recurrent glioblastoma, the use of bevacizumab (BEV) has been extended to recurrent grade II/III gliomas.
METHODS
We retrospectively assessed the safety and efficacy of BEV alone or combined with irinotecan in 39 patients with recurrent grade II/III gliomas.
RESULTS
Both BEV monotherapy and its combination with irinotecan were well tolerated. Response rates were 26% as monotherapy and 33% in combination using Macdonald and RANO criteria. The median PFS was 4.2 months and the PFS rate at 6 months 29% for BEV alone, and 4.7 months and 42% for the combination. The median overall survival was 14.8 months for BEV monotherapy and 8.1 months for the combination. Outcome after failure of BEV was better when patients continued BEV beyond progression.
CONCLUSION
BEV has limited activity in recurrent grade II/III gliomas. The additional value of irinotecan remains questionable. Prospective studies with BEV-free control groups are required to better define the role of BEV among the limited options in patients with recurrent grade II/III gliomas.