Phase II study of temozolomide without radiotherapy in newly diagnosed glioblastoma multiforme in an elderly populations

BACKGROUND: Currently, the survival of patients age > 70 years with glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) ranges from 4 months to 6 months, although radiotherapy and/or chemotherapy may prolong survival in certain subgroups. Temozolomide is an oral chemotherapeutic agent with efficacy against malignant gliomas and a favorable safety profile. This open-label, single-center, Phase II study was designed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of temozolomide as first-line chemotherapy and exclusive treatment in elderly patients with newly diagnosed GBM. METHODS: Chemotherapy-na?ve patients (age > 70 years) were treated with temozolomide at a dose of 150-200 mg/m(2) per day for 5 consecutive days of a 28-day cycle until they developed disease progression. No radiation therapy was administered. The primary endpoint was median overall survival (OS); secondary endpoints included progression-free survival (PFS) and toxicity. RESULTS: Thirty-two patients (median age, 75 years; median Karnofsky performance status, 70) experienced a median OS of 6.4 months and a median PFS of 5.0 months. Of 29 patients who were assessed for response, 9 patients (31%) achieved a partial response, 12 patients (41%) maintained stable disease, and 8 patients (28%) developed progressive disease. Adverse events primarily were mild, with NCI CTC Grade 3-4 thrombocytopenia and neutropenia reported to occur in 6% and 9% of patients, respectively. No neurotoxicity was observed. Treatment delays and dose reductions occurred in 13% and 14% of cycles, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Temozolomide represents a safe, easily administered, and effective therapeutic approach for elderly patients with newly diagnosed GBM.