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Systemic Chemotherapy in Brain Gliomas

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Epilepsy Surgery and Intrinsic Brain Tumor Surgery

Abstract

Gliomas constitute the most common and difficult to treat primary brain tumors, accounting for over 50% of all primary central nervous system tumors. The glioblastoma is by far the most frequently occurring and most malignant of the glial tumors, with a median patient survival of 15 months. Current treatment involves maximal surgical resection followed by radiotherapy with concomitant and adjuvant chemotherapy. However, over the last decade much has changed regarding the role of chemotherapy in gliomas. This is the result of several trials that reported survival benefit with a combination of agents and the incorporation of molecular genetic markers as predictors of response to chemotherapy. Herewith we discuss the chemotherapy regimens currently used for glioma treatment as well as the associated toxicities and try to provide an insight into future advancements.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Neurosurgery, University Hospital of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece

    George A. Alexiou

  2. Department of Neurology and Neurosurgical Institute, University Hospital of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece

    Athanasios P. Kyritsis

Authors
  1. George A. Alexiou
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  2. Athanasios P. Kyritsis
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Correspondence to George A. Alexiou .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Medical School, University Hospital of Larisa Medical School, University of Thessaly, Biopolis, Larisa, Greece

    Konstantinos Fountas

  2. School of Medicine, University of Thessaly School of Medicine, Biopolis, Larisa, Greece

    Eftychia Z. Kapsalaki

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Alexiou, G.A., Kyritsis, A.P. (2019). Systemic Chemotherapy in Brain Gliomas. In: Fountas, K., Kapsalaki, E. (eds) Epilepsy Surgery and Intrinsic Brain Tumor Surgery. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-95918-4_24

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-95918-4_24

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  • Online ISBN: 978-3-319-95918-4

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