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The use of temozolomide as a radiosensitiser for the treatment of newly diagnosed glioblastoma multiforme

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  01 June 2007

N. Walsh  and
A. Fleet
N. Walsh*
Affiliation:
Medical Physics Department, Cromwell Hospital, London, UK
A. Fleet
Affiliation:
Faculty of Health and Wellbeing, Sheffield Hallam University, Sheffield, UK
*
Correspondence to: Nadia Walsh, Deputy Planning Supervisor, Medical Physics Department, Cromwell Hospital, London SW5 0TU, UK. E-mail: [email protected]
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Abstract

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most commonly occurring adult brain tumour and has the worst prognosis. Radiobiologically, GBM exhibits radioresistant characteristics, which may contribute to its incurability. The use of a chemical radiosensitiser combined with radiotherapy may be an exploitable mechanism to improve therapeutic gain. Temozolomide (TMZ) is a promising new alkylating agent that has been introduced into clinical practice over the last decade and has shown modest activity against high-grade gliomas. This paper aims to evaluate the evidence base for the use of TMZ as a radiosensitiser in practice by reviewing published literature. Findings demonstrate promising improvements in progression-free and overall survival for patients with GBM receiving concomitant and adjuvant TMZ and radiotherapy compared with radiotherapy alone. These results are evaluated to put forth recommendations for further research.

Keywords

Gliomaradiotherapytemozolomide
Type
Original Article
Information
Journal of Radiotherapy in Practice , Volume 6 , Issue 2 , June 2007 , pp. 103 - 110
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2007

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