Preliminary study of nimotuzumab combined with reirradiation in patients with recurrent high-grade glioma / 肿瘤

ABSTRACT

Objective: To prospectively evaluate the side-effect and outcomes of nimotuzumab combined with reirradiation in patients with recurrent high-grade glioma. Methods: Ten patients with recurrent high-grade glioma recruited between October 2008 and March 2011 were reirradiated with conventional fractionation. The interval between initial radiation therapy and reirradiation was 7-42 months (the median time was 20 months). The irradiation dose was 40-51 Gy (18-27 fx) for 26-40 d [the median dose was 48 Gy (24 fx ) for 35d]. Intravenous injection of nimotuzumab was used weekly during radiation therapy for 3-6 weeks. The toxicities and short responses were recorded. The overall survival and the progression-free survival were calculated. Results: The acute adverse reactions were gradesI-II headache, digestive system side effects, and aggravation of the neurologic dysfunction, but they were all relieved after symptomatic treatment. The toxicity of more than grade III was not observed. The radiation-induced brain necrosis was found in three patients. Of the 10 patients, 3 had partial response, 6 had stable disease, and 1 had progressive disease. The Karnofsky performance status score was increased, unchanged and decreased in 4, 4 and 2 patients, respectively. The median time to progression was 6.5 months. The 6-month and 1-year progression-free survival rates were 60% and 20%, respectively. The median overall survival was 11.5 months. The 6-month and 1-year overall survival rates were 80% and 50%, respectively. Conclusion: The preliminary results demonstrate that nimotuzumab combined with reirradiation for recurrent high-grade glioma appears to be effective and safe. The further follow-up is required to determine the long-term outcomes. Copyright © 2012 by TUMOR.