Survival with dacarbazine and fotemustine in newly diagnosed glioblastoma multiforme
2003

Survival with Dacarbazine and Fotemustine in Glioblastoma

Sample size: 55 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Fazeny-Dörner B, Veitl M, Wenzel C, Rössler K, Ungersböck K, Dieckmann K, Piribauer M, Hainfellner J, Marosi C

Primary Institution: University of Vienna

Hypothesis

Does the combination of dacarbazine and fotemustine improve survival in newly diagnosed glioblastoma multiforme patients?

Conclusion

The combination of dacarbazine and fotemustine with radiotherapy resulted in a median survival of 14.5 months for patients with newly diagnosed glioblastoma multiforme.

Supporting Evidence

  • 42% of patients were alive at the time of study evaluation.
  • The median survival was 72 weeks, which is approximately 14.5 months.
  • 12-month survival rate was 58%, and 24-month survival rate was 23%.
  • Major toxicity observed was thrombocytopenia, affecting several patients.

Takeaway

This study looked at how two medicines, dacarbazine and fotemustine, can help people with a serious brain cancer called glioblastoma live longer when used with radiation treatment.

Methodology

Patients with newly diagnosed glioblastoma were treated with dacarbazine and fotemustine alongside radiotherapy, and their survival and response to treatment were monitored.

Limitations

The study had a small sample size and was limited to a specific patient demographic.

Participant Demographics

The median age of participants was 44 years, with a gender distribution of 16 females and 39 males.

Statistical Information

Confidence Interval

28–116 weeks

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1038/sj.bjc.6600769

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