-
Current Neurology and Neuroscience... Feb 2016Nitrosoureas represent one of the most active classes of agents in the treatment of high-grade gliomas and glioblastoma. In clinical practice, the most commonly used... (Review)
Review
Nitrosoureas represent one of the most active classes of agents in the treatment of high-grade gliomas and glioblastoma. In clinical practice, the most commonly used compounds are lomustine (either alone or in combination with procarbazine and vincristine), carmustine, and fotemustine. Given their toxicity profile and subsequent to the introduction of temozolomide in clinical practice, most of these agents were moved to the recurrent setting. This review focuses on the role of the nitrosoureas currently used in clinical practice for the treatment of malignant gliomas.
Topics: Dacarbazine; Glioma; Humans; Lomustine; Nitrosourea Compounds; Organophosphorus Compounds; Procarbazine; Temozolomide; Vincristine
PubMed: 26750128
DOI: 10.1007/s11910-015-0611-8 -
Current Opinion in Oncology Nov 2017The current review summarizes recent advances on the oncogenesis, classification and treatment of adult anaplastic gliomas. (Review)
Review
PURPOSE OF REVIEW
The current review summarizes recent advances on the oncogenesis, classification and treatment of adult anaplastic gliomas.
RECENT FINDINGS
According to the 2016 WHO classification, three main molecular subgroups of adult diffuse anaplastic gliomas can be distinguished based on the 1p/19q codeletion and isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH) mutation status. In the future, this classification may be further refined based on the telomerase reverse transcriptase promoter and alpha thalassemia/mental retardation syndrome X-linked mutation status, gene expression, DNA methylation and genomic profiling. Both newly diagnosed 1p/19q codeleted and 1p/19q-intact anaplastic gliomas benefit from the addition of chemotherapy to radiotherapy. However, in 1p/19q codeleted anaplastic gliomas, Procarbazine, CCNU and Vincristine chemotherapy seems more effective than temozolomide. At recurrence, 1p/19q-intact anaplastic gliomas do not benefit from the addition of bevacizumab to temozolomide. The use of poly(adenosine 5'-diphosphate-ribose) inhibitors may be another way of specifically targeting IDH-mutant gliomas in addition to specific inhibitors, demethylating agents and anti-IDH vaccines. v-raf murine sarcoma viral oncogene homolog B1 (BRAF)-mutant anaplastic xanthoastrocytomas and gangliogliomas may benefit from BRAF and mitogen-activated protein kinase inhibitors.
SUMMARY
Molecular characterization is mandatory for integrated diagnosis and appropriate management of adult anaplastic gliomas. Both 1p/19q codeleted and 1p/19q-intact anaplastic diffuse gliomas benefit from early chemotherapy. At recurrence, preliminary data suggest a potential role for targeted therapies in specific molecular subgroups.
Topics: Adult; Brain Neoplasms; Chromosome Deletion; Chromosomes, Human, Pair 1; Chromosomes, Human, Pair 19; Glioma; Humans
PubMed: 28901965
DOI: 10.1097/CCO.0000000000000409 -
Current Opinion in Allergy and Clinical... Aug 2017The current review will focus on drug hypersensitivity reactions to chemotherapy specifically to those drugs most used in children. We know that potentially all... (Review)
Review
PURPOSE OF REVIEW
The current review will focus on drug hypersensitivity reactions to chemotherapy specifically to those drugs most used in children. We know that potentially all chemotherapeutic agents can cause infusion reactions, generally defined as adverse drug reactions. Of these, some are Type A, defined as expected and described in the characteristics of the drug and others, and Type B, defined as unexpected reactions which cannot be explained by the known toxicity profile of the drug. When an unexpected reaction occurs, drugs we can refer as hypersensitivity reactions (HSRs). Some of these (HSRs) are allergic reactions as they have an underlying immunologic mechanism. In general, the cytotoxic agents most commonly associated with HSRs are the platinum salts derivatives, taxanes, pegylated liposomal doxorubicin, L-asparaginase, procarbazine, etoposide, bleomycin, and cytarabin.
RECENT FINDINGS
HSRs may also occur in children with cancer, during the treatment with chemotherapeutic drugs. The most used drugs of this group in children to cause HSRs are: carboplatin, L-asparaginase, and methothrexate. The aim of this review is to summarize the incidence and the clinical features of HSRs occurring with these drugs in children.
SUMMARY
The aim of this review is to summarize the incidence and the clinical features of HSRs occurring with these drugs in children. The current review will focus on the most involved drugs in children, the type of reactions, the mechanisms involved, and the best way to manage them.
Topics: Adolescent; Child; Child, Preschool; Cytostatic Agents; Drug Hypersensitivity; Female; Humans; Incidence; Infant; Infant, Newborn; Male; Neoplasms
PubMed: 28622171
DOI: 10.1097/ACI.0000000000000381 -
Handbook of Clinical Neurology 2016Anaplastic oligodendrogliomas have long attracted interest because of their sensitivity to chemotherapy, in particular in the subset of 1p/19q co-deleted tumors. Recent... (Review)
Review
Anaplastic oligodendrogliomas have long attracted interest because of their sensitivity to chemotherapy, in particular in the subset of 1p/19q co-deleted tumors. Recent molecular studies have shown that all 1p/19q co-deleted tumors have IDH mutations and most of them also have TERT mutations. Because of the presence of similar typical genetic alterations in astrocytoma and glioblastoma, the current trend is to diagnose these tumors on the basis of their molecular profile. Further long-term follow-up analysis of both EORTC and RTOG randomized studies on (neo)adjuvant procarbazine, lomustine, vincristine (PCV) chemotherapy have shown that adjuvant chemotherapy indeed improves outcome, and this is now standard of care. It is also equally clear that benefit to PCV chemotherapy is not limited to the 1p/19q co-deleted cases; potential other predictive factors are IDH mutations and MGMT promoter methylation. Moreover, a recent RTOG study on low-grade glioma also noted an improved outcome after adjuvant PCV chemotherapy, thus making (PCV) chemotherapy now standard of care for all 1p/19q co-deleted tumors regardless of grade. It remains unclear whether temozolomide provides the same survival benefit, as no data from well-designed clinical trials on adjuvant temozolomide in this tumor type are available. Another question that remains is whether one can safely leave out radiotherapy as part of initial treatment to avoid cognitive side-effects of radiotherapy. The current data suggest that delaying radiotherapy and treatment with chemotherapy only may be detrimental for overall survival.
Topics: Antineoplastic Agents; Brain Neoplasms; Chemotherapy, Adjuvant; DNA Modification Methylases; DNA Repair Enzymes; Dacarbazine; Humans; Isocitrate Dehydrogenase; Mutation; Oligodendroglioma; Procarbazine; Temozolomide; Tumor Suppressor Proteins; Vincristine
PubMed: 26948366
DOI: 10.1016/B978-0-12-802997-8.00022-0 -
Current Opinion in Neurology Dec 2016The management of patients suffering from low-grade gliomas (LGGs) remains a challenge in absence of a definite curative therapy. The median survival is highly variable,... (Review)
Review
PURPOSE OF REVIEW
The management of patients suffering from low-grade gliomas (LGGs) remains a challenge in absence of a definite curative therapy. The median survival is highly variable, from 2 years (high-risk disease) to over 15 years (low risk). The aim of this review is to provide a practical step-by-step evaluation of the available treatment options for patients with LGGs.
RECENT FINDINGS
Next to clinical prognostic markers, both the isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH) mutation status and the status of 1p/19q codeletion are key prognostic factors for the optimal management of patients with LGG. Two recent randomized phase III clinical trials were performed in LGGs. They first compared the efficacy of radiation versus temozolomide (TMZ) chemotherapy in high-risk LGGs. The second trial compared radiation versus radiation combined with procarbazine, lomustine and vincristine chemotherapy.
SUMMARY
Regarding molecular prognostic factors, IDH wild-type LGGs have the worst prognosis, independent of therapy, whereas patients with mutated IDH, codeleted 1p/19q LGGs fared best regarding progression-free survival (PFS). In high-risk LGGs, PFS is similar regardless of whether patients have been treated with radiation or TMZ. In the second trial, patients who were treated with combination radiation and chemotherapy showed significant longer overall survival.
Topics: Antineoplastic Agents, Alkylating; Brain Neoplasms; Combined Modality Therapy; Dacarbazine; Disease-Free Survival; Glioma; Humans; Mutation; Prognosis; Temozolomide; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 27676279
DOI: 10.1097/WCO.0000000000000390 -
Expert Review of Anticancer Therapy 2015Gliomas are the most common primary malignant brain tumor. Over the last decade, significant advances have been made in the molecular characterization of this tumor... (Review)
Review
Gliomas are the most common primary malignant brain tumor. Over the last decade, significant advances have been made in the molecular characterization of this tumor group, identifying predictive biomarkers or molecular actionable targets, and paving the way to molecular-based targeted therapies. This personalized therapeutic approach is effective and illustrated in the present review. Among many molecular abnormalities, BRAF mutation and mTOR activation in pilocytic astrocytomas and subependymal giant cell astrocytomas are actionable targets sensitive to vemurafenib and everolimus, respectively. Chromosome arms 1p/19q co-deletion and IDH mutational status are pivotal in driving delivery of early procarbazine, lomustine and vincristine chemotherapy in anaplastic oligodendroglial tumors. Although consensus to assess MGMT promoter methylation is not reached yet, it may be useful in predicting resistance to temozolomide in elderly patients.
Topics: Aged; Antineoplastic Agents; Biomarkers, Tumor; Brain Neoplasms; Drug Resistance, Neoplasm; Glioma; Humans; Molecular Targeted Therapy; Precision Medicine
PubMed: 26118895
DOI: 10.1586/14737140.2015.1062368 -
Child's Nervous System : ChNS :... May 2024Pediatric low-grade gliomas (PLGG) are commonly treated with a combination of surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy. Recent trends prioritize reducing long-term...
Pediatric low-grade gliomas (PLGG) are commonly treated with a combination of surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy. Recent trends prioritize reducing long-term morbidities, particularly in younger patients. While historically chemotherapy was reserved for cases progressing after radiotherapy, evolving recommendations now advocate for its early use, particularly in younger age groups. The carboplatin and vincristine (CV) combination stands as a standard systemic therapy for PLGG, varying in dosage and administration between North America and Europe. Clinical trials have shown promising response rates, albeit with varying toxicity profiles. Vinblastine has emerged as another effective regimen with minimal toxicity. TPCV, a regimen combining thioguanine, procarbazine, lomustine, and vincristine, was compared to CV in a Children's Oncology Group trial, showing comparable outcomes, but more toxicity. Vinorelbine, temozolomide, and metronomic chemotherapy have also been explored, with varied success rates and toxicity profiles. Around 40-50% of PLGG patients require subsequent chemotherapy lines. Studies have shown varied efficacy in subsequent lines, with NF1 patients generally exhibiting better outcomes. The identification of molecular drivers like BRAF mutations has led to targeted therapies' development, showing promise in specific molecular subgroups. Trials comparing targeted therapy to conventional chemotherapy aim to delineate optimal treatment strategies based on molecular profiles. The landscape of chemotherapy in PLGG is evolving, with a growing focus on molecular subtyping and targeted therapies. Understanding the role of chemotherapy in conjunction with novel treatments is crucial for optimizing outcomes in pediatric patients with low-grade gliomas.
PubMed: 38819670
DOI: 10.1007/s00381-024-06458-w -
Current Treatment Options in Oncology Sep 2022Treatment recommendations for grade 3 gliomas are guided by their histopathologic and molecular phenotype. In the 2021 WHO classification, these tumors are categorized... (Review)
Review
Treatment recommendations for grade 3 gliomas are guided by their histopathologic and molecular phenotype. In the 2021 WHO classification, these tumors are categorized into two types, grade 3 IDH mutant (IDHmt), 1p/19q codeleted oligodendroglioma and IDH mutant astrocytoma. Treatment consists of maximal safe surgery, followed by radiation therapy (RT) and alkylating agent-based chemotherapy. Based on the updated CATNON result, RT followed by temozolomide improves outcome in patients with non-codeleted grade 3 IDHmt astrocytoma. In patients with IDHmt, codeleted oligodendroglioma, the addition of procarbazine, CCNU, and vincristine regimen is the recommended treatment, based on large randomized controlled trials. These current treatments prolong the overall survival to up to 10 years in patients with grade 3 IDHmt astrocytoma and 14 years in grade 3 IDHmt codeleted oligodendroglioma. Treatment options at recurrence include re-resection, re-irradiation, and other cytotoxic chemotherapy; however, these are of limited benefit. Novel agents targeting IDH mutation and its metabolic effects are currently under investigation to improve the outcome of these patients.
Topics: Astrocytoma; Brain Neoplasms; Glioma; Humans; Isocitrate Dehydrogenase; Lymphoma, Follicular; Mutation; Oligodendroglioma; Temozolomide
PubMed: 35913658
DOI: 10.1007/s11864-022-01000-z -
Neurosurgery Clinics of North America Jan 2019There is currently no universally accepted standard of care treatment for low-grade gliomas, a molecularly heterogeneous group of tumors with similarly heterogeneous... (Review)
Review
There is currently no universally accepted standard of care treatment for low-grade gliomas, a molecularly heterogeneous group of tumors with similarly heterogeneous clinical outcomes. Risk stratification by clinical and molecular features is useful to help determine which patients benefit the most from adjuvant treatment. The addition of combination chemotherapy with procarbazine, lomustine, and vincristine confers survival advantage, as likely does temozolomide, but radiochemotherapy may not be appropriate for all patients owing to its toxicity profile. We review the approach to treatment in patients with low-grade gliomas with an emphasis on the clinical trials focusing on adjuvant chemotherapy in this population.
Topics: Brain Neoplasms; Chemoradiotherapy; Drug Therapy; Drug-Related Side Effects and Adverse Reactions; Glioma; Humans; Temozolomide
PubMed: 30470397
DOI: 10.1016/j.nec.2018.08.007 -
Deutsches Arzteblatt International Aug 2018Hodgkin lymphoma is the most common neoplasm in young adults, with an incidence of 2 to 3 cases per 100 000 persons per year. Risk-adapted chemotherapy and radiotherapy...
BACKGROUND
Hodgkin lymphoma is the most common neoplasm in young adults, with an incidence of 2 to 3 cases per 100 000 persons per year. Risk-adapted chemotherapy and radiotherapy usually lead to cure. Finding ways to lessen the treatment- associated morbidity and mortality is a major goal of current research.
METHODS
For the creation of an updated guideline (DKH grant number 111778), a systematic literature search was carried out in medical databases (MEDLINE, CENTRAL) and guideline databases (GIN) (search dates: January 2012 to June 2017).
RESULTS
Results from 10 meta-analyses, 89 randomized and controlled trials, and 81 prospective or retrospective trials were evaluated. The use of positron emission tomography (PET) is strongly recommended in the initial diagnostic evaluation, as well as for the guidance of treatment in advanced stages. In early stages, two cycles of ABVD (doxorubicin, bleomycin, vinblastine, and dacarbazine) and involved-site radiotherapy (IS-RT) at a dose of 20 Gy are recommended. For the treatment of intermedi- ate stages, two cycles of escalated BEACOPP (bleomycin, etoposide, doxorubicin, cyclophosphamide, vincristine, procarbazine, and prednisone) + two cycles of ABVD and 30 Gy IS-RT are recommended. In advanced stages, two cycles of escalated BEACOPP are administered, and then PET is performed for the guidance of further treatment: two further cycles of escalated BEACOPP are recommended if the PET is negative and four further cycles if it is positive, followed by radiotherapy of PET- positive residual tumor tissue. The five-year survival of patients with Hodgkin lymphoma is 95%. In case of disease recurrence, high-dose chemotherapy followed by autologous stem-cell transplantation is performed, and targeted drugs including brentuxi- mab vedotin, nivolumab, and pembrolizuab are used.
CONCLUSION
The highly favorable long-term prognosis of HL necessitates careful consideration of the intensity of treatment as well as thorough follow-up to enable the detection of late sequelae, such as second tumors or organ damage.
Topics: Adult; Drug Therapy; Guidelines as Topic; Hodgkin Disease; Humans; Neoplasm Staging; Prognosis; Radiotherapy
PubMed: 30149835
DOI: 10.3238/arztebl.2018.0535