Locoregional radioimmunotherapy in selected patients with malignant glioma: experiences, side effects and survival times.

Abstract

UNLABELLED:

Prognosis of malignant glioma is very unfavourable mainly due to minimal tumour remnants in the peritumoural tissue. Intralesionally applied radioimmunotherapy is a possible therapeutical option with the potential to improve survival of patients with malignant glioma. We investigated side effects and survival after surgery, conventional radiotherapy and additional radioimmunotherapy with labelled tenascin-antibodies in patients with malignant glioma.

METHODS:

Since 1995, 37 patients were treated with radioimmunotherapy after resection and radiotherapy of a malignant glioma. Patients received antibodies labelled with yttrium-90 and iodine-131 in different doses into the tumour cavity via a previously implanted ommaya-reservoir. Treatment was applied in up to 8 cycles (mean 2.96 cycles) in time intervals of 6-8 weeks. Mean age was 46 years, histology was anaplastic astrocytoma in 13 patients and glioblastoma in 24 patients.

RESULTS:

For the whole group median survival time has not yet been reached. For glioblastoma the median survival time is 17 months, 5-year survival probability for anaplastic astrocytoma is 85% approximately. Quality of life was acceptable. Acute side effects following treatment were headache, seizures and worsening of pre-existing neurological symptoms. Late side effects were skin necrosis and, in 1 case, a delayed aphasia probably due to a vascular lesion.

CONCLUSION:

Radioimmunotherapy prolonged survival time in a selected group of patients with malignant gliomas as compared to a historical control group. Patients with anaplastic astrocytomas seem to have more benefit from this therapy than patients with glioblastomas.

• Authors: C Goetz, P Riva, G Poepperl, F J Gildehaus, A Hischa, K Tatsch, H J Reulen
• Journal: Journal of neuro-oncology (J Neurooncol) Vol. 62 Issue 3 Pg. 321-8 (May 2003) ISSN: 0167-594X [Print] United States
• PMID: 12777085 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Immunoconjugates
• Iodine Radioisotopes
• Tenascin
• Yttrium Radioisotopes

Topics

• Adult
• Aged
• Brain Neoplasms (mortality, pathology, radiotherapy)
• Combined Modality Therapy
• Dose-Response Relationship, Radiation
• Female
• Glioma (mortality, pathology, radiotherapy)
• Humans
• Immunoconjugates
• Iodine Radioisotopes
• Middle Aged
• Prognosis
• Quality of Life
• Radioimmunotherapy (adverse effects)
• Survival Rate
• Tenascin (immunology)
• Tissue Distribution
• Yttrium Radioisotopes