Chemotherapy in adults with gliomas

Abstract

Treating patients with gliomas requires a multidisciplinary approach, which often includes surgery, radiation and chemotherapy. Recent developments have demonstrated the efficacy of chemotherapeutic agents in patients with newly diagnosed or recurrent gliomas. Large clinical studies have provided important information on the impact of chemotherapy for anaplastic oligodendrogliomas in the upfront setting. Randomised trials have demonstrated the benefit of chemoradiation for patients with glioblastoma. Investigations are also under way to clarify the role of chemotherapy for low-grade gliomas. This review article summarises the recent developments and approaches in the use of chemotherapy to treat adult patients with astrocytomas and oligodendrogliomas.