Single-agent bevacizumab is an effective treatment in recurrent glioblastoma

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficiency and safety of single-agent bevacizumab therapy for recurrent glioblastoma multiforme (GBM). We identified patients with histologically confirmed glioblastoma and World Health Organization Grade III glioma who were previously treated with temozolomide plus radiotherapy and received 10 mg/kg bevacizumab intravenous infusion every 2 weeks until disease progression for recurrent disease. A total 24 patients included to this study. Twenty-two patients had GBM, and two patients had WHO grade III glioma. No complete response was observed, five patients (20.8 %) had partial response, nine patients (37.5 %) had stable diseases, and ten patients (41.7 %) had progressive diseases. The overall response rate was 20.8 %. The 6-month PFS rate (PFS6) and median PFS were determined as 37.5 % and 4.1 months, respectively. Median OS was 6.4 months. Performance status of 17 (70.8 %) patients was improved following bevacizumab regimen. Univariate analysis showed that improvement in performance status (IPS) following bevacizumab therapy was a significant predictor of both PFS (p < 0.001) and OS (p < 0.020). Bevacizumab-related adverse effects were observed in 13 (54.1 %) patients. Grade 3-4 toxicity was observed in 4 (16.6 %) patients. Therapy interruptions were experienced in two patients due to adverse effects. Single-agent bevacizumab is an effective and safe treatment alternative in recurrent GBM. IPS following bevacizumab therapy was a significant predictor of both PFS and OS.