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Optimal role of temozolomide in the treatment of malignant gliomas

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Abstract

Temozolomide (TMZ) is an alkylating agent that was approved for anaplastic astrocytoma and glioblastoma. Its role in the treatment of recurrent disease has been confirmed, and more importantly, alternative treatment schedules and combination regimens have been developed. A recent phase III trial has demonstrated a survival advantage for concomitant TMZ administration with radiotherapy in patients with newly diagnosed glioblastoma. Molecular studies suggest a strong predictive role of the DNA repair enzyme O6-methyl-guanine-DNA-methyl-transferase (MGMT) and outcome of TMZbased chemotherapy. This review summarizes the current knowledge, highlights approved and nonapproved indications, and describes molecular studies that may allow us to identify the patients most likely to benefit from this treatment.

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  1. Multidisciplinary Oncology Center, University of Lausanne Hospitals, 46 rue du Bugnon, 1011, Lausanne, Switzerland

    Roger Stupp MD

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  2. Martin J. van den Bent MD
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Stupp, R., van den Bent, M.J. & Hegi, M.E. Optimal role of temozolomide in the treatment of malignant gliomas. Curr Neurol Neurosci Rep 5, 198–206 (2005). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11910-005-0047-7

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