Efficacy of temozolomide and bevacizumab for the treatment of leptomeningeal dissemination of recurrent glioblastoma: A case report

Abstract

The prognosis of leptomeningeal dissemination of recurrent glioblastoma is poor, and chemotherapy results in minimal palliative efficacy. Temozolomide (TMZ) is an established therapy for patients with malignant glioma and the standard of care in parenchymal gliomas; however, few reports have been published with regard to its use for the treatment of leptomeningeal dissemination. Only one report has indicated the radiographic response of leptomeningeal dissemination to a TMZ rechallenge, suggesting a potential causative effect. While bevacizumab is an effective therapy for recurrent glioblastoma, its effect on leptomeningeal dissemination of recurrent glioblastoma remains unclear. The present study reports a case of leptomeningeal dissemination of recurrent glioblastoma in which transient neurological and radiological improvement was observed following chemotherapy with TMZ and bevacizumab. However, five months after the diagnosis of leptomeningeal dissemination the patient succumbed to the disease.