Temozolomide for treatment of brain metastases: A review of 21 clinical trials.

Abstract

Brain metastases from solid tumours are associated with poor prognosis despite aggressive treatment. Temozolomide can be used for the treatment of glioblastoma multiforme as well as melanoma. It has also been shown to have activity in patients with brain metastases from various malignancies, since it can cross the blood-brain barrier. To better understand the efficacy of temozolomide in the treatment of brain metastases, we carried out a review of 21 published clinical trials to determine whether temozolomide would benefit patients with brain metastases from solid tumours. Information regarding complete response, partial response, stable disease, objective response and objective response rate were collected to assess clinical outcomes. A modest therapeutic effect was observed when temozolomide was used as a single agent, however, the combination of temozolomide with whole-brain radiotherapy and/or other anticancer drugs exhibited encouraging activity. Thus, future high quality studies are warranted to confirm our findings.

• Authors: Wei Zhu, Li Zhou, Jia-Qi Qian, Tian-Zhu Qiu, Yong-Qian Shu, Ping Liu
• Journal: World journal of clinical oncology (World J Clin Oncol) Vol. 5 Issue 1 Pg. 19-27 (Feb 10 2014) ISSN: 2218-4333 [Print] United States
• PMID: 24527399 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Review)