Regression of Recurrent High-Grade Glioma with Temozolomide, Dexamethasone, and Levetiracetam: Case Report and Review of the Literature

Abstract

Background: Treatment options for recurrent glioma of the brain include chemotherapy, radiotherapy, surgery, and palliation. Temozolomide appears to be effective in patients with recurrent high-grade gliomas.

Case description: A middle-aged woman presented with a high-grade glioma of corpus callosum. The tumor, a grade 3 anaplastic oligodendroglioma, was excised, and chemoradiotherapy was administered. The patient presented with significant recurrence 5 years later. Repeat surgery and radiation were suggested but refused. She was given temozolomide and dexamethasone intermittently, and levetiracetam was continued. Magnetic resonance imaging performed at 10-month follow-up showed 90% remission.

Conclusions: There are a few reports in the literature of similar response to temozolomide and levetiracetam. Similar reports give more hope in the treatment of recurrent high grade glioma.

Keywords: Anaplastic glioma; Dexamethasone; High-grade glioma; Levetiracetam; Recurrent glioma; Regression of tumor; Temozolomide.