An overview of fotemustine in high-grade gliomas: from single agent to association with bevacizumab

Biomed Res Int. 2014:2014:698542. doi: 10.1155/2014/698542. Epub 2014 Mar 31.

Abstract

Fotemustine is a third-generation nitrosourea showing efficacy in various types of tumors such as melanoma and glioma. We reviewed the most important studies on fotemustine treatment in glioma patients analyzing its pharmacological profile and its activity and safety. Fotemustine was used as single agent or in association with new targeted drugs such as bevacizumab; fotemustine was used both as first-line chemotherapy before temozolomide era and in refractory-temozolomide patients during temozolomide era. Finally, analyzing and comparing the activity and safety of fotemustine alone or in combination with bevacizumab versus other nitrosoureas such as lomustine, we may suggest that the combination treatment with bevacizumab and fotemustine may be active and tolerable in patients with high grade gliomas.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized / administration & dosage
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized / therapeutic use
  • Antineoplastic Agents / administration & dosage
  • Antineoplastic Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Bevacizumab
  • Brain Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • Drug Therapy, Combination
  • Glioma / drug therapy*
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Nitrosourea Compounds / administration & dosage
  • Nitrosourea Compounds / therapeutic use*
  • Organophosphorus Compounds / administration & dosage
  • Organophosphorus Compounds / therapeutic use*
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized
  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • Nitrosourea Compounds
  • Organophosphorus Compounds
  • Bevacizumab
  • fotemustine