Low-Dose Chemotherapy in Combination with COX-2 Inhibitors and PPAR-Gamma Agonists in Recurrent High-Grade Gliomas

Vol. 73, No. 1-2, 2007

Free Abstract Article (Fulltext) Article (PDF 275 KB)

Clinical Study

Low-Dose Chemotherapy in Combination with COX-2 Inhibitors and PPAR-Gamma Agonists in Recurrent High-Grade Gliomas - A Phase II Study
P. Hau^f, L. Kunz-Schughart^a, U. Bogdahn^f, U. Baumgart^f, B. Hirschmann^f, E. Weimann^b, H. Mühleisen^c, P. Ruemmele^d, A. Steinbrecher^f, A. Reichle^e

^aOncoRay/ZIK Dresden, Dresden,
^bDepartment of Neurology, and
^cInstitute of Neuropathology, Institute of Pathology, Klinikum Ludwigsburg, Ludwigsburg,
^dPathology, and
^eDepartments of Oncology and
^fNeurology, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany

Address of Corresponding Author

Oncology 2007;73:21-25 (DOI: 10.1159/000120028)

Key Words

Glioblastoma
Anaplastic glioma
Low-dose chemotherapy
Drug resistance
Capecitabine
Temozolomide
Pioglitazone
Rofecoxib

Abstract

Objectives: Combined treatment approaches targeting tumor as well as other cells contributing to tumor progression may control chemorefractory malignancies. Methods: A phase II trial was initiated to analyze the activity of continuously administered pioglitazone and rofecoxib combined with low-dose chemotherapy (capecitabine or temozolomide) in patients with high-grade gliomas (glioblastoma or anaplastic glioma). Results: Fourteen patients were evaluable for response and toxicity. Major side effects were palmoplantar erythema, edema and motor neuropathy grade 3. Disease stabilizations lasting longer than 3 months were noted in 4 of 14 patients (29%). Clinical responses did not correspond to immunohistochemical staining for cyclooxygenase 2, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor- gamma and CD31. Discussion: The study demonstrates that this novel regimen is moderately active and well tolerated in patients with high-grade gliomas. As a comparably small proportion of patients responded, the regimen might only be suitable for a subset of highly selected patients.

Author Contacts

Peter Hau, MD
Department of Neurology, University of Regensburg
District Medical Center, Universitätsstrasse 84
DE-93053 Regensburg (Germany)
Tel. +49 941 941 8083, Fax +49 941 941 3292, E-Mail peter.hau@medbo.de

Article Information

Received: August 16, 2007
Accepted after revision: August 20, 2007
Published online: March 10, 2008
Number of Print Pages : 5
Number of Figures : 1, Number of Tables : 1, Number of References : 19

Medline Abstract (ID 18332649)

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