Post progression survival in glioblastoma: where are we?

J Neurooncol. 2015 Jan;121(2):399-404. doi: 10.1007/s11060-014-1651-7. Epub 2014 Nov 1.

Abstract

The optimal end point for phase II studies for recurrent glioblastoma (GBM) is unclear and a matter of debate. Moreover, data about post-progression survival (PPS) after the first disease progression in GBM patients treated according to EORTC 26981/22981/NCIC CE.3 trial are limited. The aim of this study was to evaluate the PPS in GBM patients. The analysis was made with a database on 1,006 GBM patients followed prospectively between 06/2005 and 06/2010. Eligibility criteria for the study were: age ≥ 18 years; PS: 0-2; chemotherapy given at disease progression after RT/TMZ. 232 patients (mean age 52 years, range 18-77 years) were enrolled. The median PFS following second line chemotherapy (PFS2) was 2.5 months (95 % CI 2.1-2.9) and the rate of patients free of progression at 6 months (PFS2-6 mo), was 21.6 % (95 % CI 16.3-26.9 %). The median PPS was 8.6 months (95 % CI 7.4-9.8), PPS rates were: PPS-6: 66 % (95 % CI 60.3-72.9 %), PPS-9: 48.2 % (95 % CI 41.5-54.9 %) and PPS-12: 31.7 % (95 % CI 25.2-38.2 %). PPS in unselected patients treated with alkylating agents is about 8 months. PPS rates could be of interest as an end point in future studies in recurrent GBM.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Brain Neoplasms / genetics
  • Brain Neoplasms / therapy*
  • Combined Modality Therapy
  • DNA Methylation
  • DNA Modification Methylases / genetics
  • DNA Repair Enzymes / genetics
  • Databases, Factual
  • Disease Progression
  • Disease-Free Survival
  • Endpoint Determination
  • Female
  • Glioblastoma / genetics
  • Glioblastoma / therapy*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Outcome Assessment, Health Care / methods*
  • Prospective Studies
  • Tumor Suppressor Proteins / genetics
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Tumor Suppressor Proteins
  • DNA Modification Methylases
  • MGMT protein, human
  • DNA Repair Enzymes