Long-term use of temozolomide: could you use temozolomide safely for life in gliomas?

J Clin Neurosci. 2009 Jun;16(6):854-5. doi: 10.1016/j.jocn.2008.09.005. Epub 2009 Mar 20.

Abstract

Temozolomide (TMZ) is an alkylating agent used in the management of gliomas. Although TMZ is generally safe and acute toxicity is well documented, there are limited data on long-term toxicities. We present three patients with glioma; all patients started on TMZ after having progressed following primary treatment. These patients have continued TMZ for 5 years, 7 years and 8 years respectively. So far they have had no serious side effects. We discuss these patients while raising the question of prolonged TMZ use.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Antineoplastic Agents, Alkylating / administration & dosage
  • Antineoplastic Agents, Alkylating / adverse effects*
  • Astrocytoma / drug therapy
  • Astrocytoma / radiotherapy
  • Astrocytoma / surgery
  • Brain / drug effects
  • Brain / pathology
  • Brain Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • Brain Neoplasms / radiotherapy
  • Brain Neoplasms / surgery
  • Dacarbazine / administration & dosage
  • Dacarbazine / adverse effects
  • Dacarbazine / analogs & derivatives*
  • Drug-Related Side Effects and Adverse Reactions*
  • Glioblastoma / drug therapy
  • Glioblastoma / radiotherapy
  • Glioblastoma / surgery
  • Glioma / drug therapy*
  • Glioma / radiotherapy
  • Glioma / surgery
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Neoplasm Recurrence, Local / drug therapy
  • Neoplasm Recurrence, Local / prevention & control
  • Neurosurgical Procedures / methods
  • Radiotherapy / methods
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Temozolomide
  • Time
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents, Alkylating
  • Dacarbazine
  • Temozolomide