Bevacizumab in recurrent high-grade pediatric gliomas

Neuro Oncol. 2010 Sep;12(9):985-90. doi: 10.1093/neuonc/noq033. Epub 2010 Apr 2.

Abstract

Bevacizumab, a monoclonal antibody against vascular endothelial growth factor, has shown promise in treating recurrent adult high-grade glioma (HGG). However, there is very little data on recurrent or progressive pediatric HGG treated with bevacizumab. We report the results of a single institution experience using bevacizumab and irinotecan in children who relapsed or progressed following standard therapy. Twelve pediatric patients with recurrent or progressive HGG received bevacizumab at 10 mg/kg every 2 weeks with irinotecan at 125 mg/m(2). Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was performed prior to therapy and every 8 weeks subsequently. Ten patients had supratentorial HGG; 2 had DIPG. Radiological responses were defined according to MacDonald's criteria. Progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), and toxicities were analyzed. Ten (83.3%) patients tolerated bevacizumab without serious toxicity. Therapy was discontinued in 1 patient because of anaphylaxis. Another patient developed grade III delayed wound healing and deep vein thrombosis. Two patients (16.7%) experienced a partial response after the first MRI. No complete radiographic responses were seen. Stable disease was noted in 4 (33.3%) patients. The median PFS and OS were 2.25 and 6.25 months, respectively. A diffuse invasive recurrence pattern was noted in 5 (45.5%) patients. Treatment tolerance, toxicity, and recurrence profiles were comparable to adult HGG patients treated with bevacizumab. However, the radiological response rate, response duration, and survival appeared inferior in pediatric patients. Genetic differences in pediatric gliomas might account for this difference.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal / administration & dosage*
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal / adverse effects
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized
  • Antineoplastic Agents / administration & dosage*
  • Antineoplastic Agents / adverse effects
  • Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / therapeutic use
  • Bevacizumab
  • Brain Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • Brain Neoplasms / mortality
  • Camptothecin / analogs & derivatives
  • Camptothecin / therapeutic use
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Disease-Free Survival
  • Female
  • Glioma / drug therapy*
  • Glioma / mortality
  • Humans
  • Irinotecan
  • Kaplan-Meier Estimate
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Male
  • Neoplasm Recurrence, Local / drug therapy*
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Salvage Therapy / methods
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Antibodies, Monoclonal
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized
  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • Bevacizumab
  • Irinotecan
  • Camptothecin