Publication
Clinical outcome with bevacizumab in patients with recurrent high-grade glioma treated outside clinical trials
Journal Paper/Review - Apr 18, 2011
Hofer Silvia, Wick Wolfgang, Zander Thilo, Weder Patrik, Roelcke Ulrich, Pichler Josef, Ochsenbein Adrian, Marosi Christine, Lemke Dieter, Huber Urs, Hottinger Andreas F, Greil Richard, Elandt Katarzyna, Weller Michael
Units
PubMed
Doi
Citation
Type
Journal
Publication Date
Issn Electronic
Pages
Brief description/objective
BACKGROUND
Patients with recurrent high-grade glioma (HGG) have a poor prognosis and there is no defined standard of care. High levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expressed in HGG make the anti-VEGF monoclonal antibody bevacizumab (BEV) of particular interest.
PATIENTS AND METHODS
In an ongoing registry data were collected from patients who have received BEV for the treatment of recurrent HGG. The primary objective was the identification of any clinical benefit as assessed by change in Karnofsky Performance Score (KPS), decreased steroid use and duration of treatment.
RESULTS
Two hundred and twenty-five patients with HGG were included (176 glioblastoma; 49 anaplastic glioma; median age 52 years). KPS improved in 10% of patients and remained stable in 68%. Steroids were stopped in 37.6% of patients. Median duration of treatment was 5.5 months; 19.1% of patients were treated for more than 12 months. Median overall survival from beginning of BEV treatment was 8.5 months. At the time of analysis, 169 patients (75.1%) had died and 56 patients (24.9%) were alive. Only 21 patients (9.3%) discontinued treatment due to toxicity.
CONCLUSIONS
Our data reveal valuable palliation with preservation of KPS and an option for steroid withdrawal in patients treated with BEV, supporting the role of this therapy in late-stage disease.