Abstract | BACKGROUND: METHODS: We evaluated MGMT expression in 22 glioma specimens by using an immunofluorescence assay and compared the results with clinical responses of the patients to CENU-based chemotherapy. RESULTS: Eight tumor samples had no detectable MGMT, whereas other samples had from 9,989 to 982,401 molecules/nucleus. In one group (12 patients), the tumor decreased in size or was stable (effective group), whereas in the other group (10 patients), the tumor demonstrated continuous growth during chemotherapy (progressive group). The Mer- patients (MGMT < 60,000 molecules/nucleus) appeared to have more chance of stable disease or response to CENU therapy than the Mer+ patients (MGMT > 60,000 molecules/nucleus) (X2 = 4.791, p = 0.0286). In patients with glioblastomas multiforme (GBMs), the median time to progression ( TTP) of Mer+ patient was shorter than that of Mer- patient (t = 2.04, p = 0.049). As a corollary, the MGMT levels were significantly higher in GBM tumors from the progressive group than those from the effective group (t = 2.26, p = 0.029). However, there was no significant correlation between MGMT levels and either the survival time (r = 0.04, p = 0.8595) or TTP (r = 0.107, p = 0.6444). CONCLUSION: This study suggests that being MGMT positive is indicative of a more aggressive disease that progresses more rapidly with CENU therapy. However, MGMT negative tumors are not always sensitive to CENU agents, suggesting that other factors are also important.
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Authors | Z P Chen, D Yarosh, Y Garcia, D Tampieri, G Mohr, A Malapetsa, A Langleben, L C Panasci |
Journal | The Canadian journal of neurological sciences. Le journal canadien des sciences neurologiques
(Can J Neurol Sci)
Vol. 26
Issue 2
Pg. 104-9
(May 1999)
ISSN: 0317-1671 [Print] England |
PMID | 10352868
(Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't, Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.)
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Chemical References |
- Antineoplastic Agents
- Nitroso Compounds
- Guanine
- N-(2-chloroethyl)-N-nitrosoacetamide
- O-(6)-methylguanine
- DNA Modification Methylases
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Topics |
- Adult
- Age Factors
- Aged
- Antineoplastic Agents
(therapeutic use)
- Brain Neoplasms
(drug therapy, metabolism)
- DNA Modification Methylases
(metabolism)
- Drug Resistance, Neoplasm
(genetics)
- Female
- Glioma
(drug therapy, metabolism)
- Guanine
(analogs & derivatives, metabolism)
- Humans
- Male
- Middle Aged
- Nitroso Compounds
(therapeutic use)
- Tumor Cells, Cultured
(metabolism)
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