Djvermont

Welcome DjVermont, I was diagnosed at 37 with a grade III astrocytoma. Hope you and your patient are doing well, happy to answer any questions based on my experiences.

Hi Dj,

I am an almost 20-year survivor of a Grade III Oligoastrocytoma. I participated in the original clinical trial of Temozolomide in the mid-90s, before its FDA approval in 1999. I've had three surgeries and I'm still fighting it, but I've beaten every medical professional's expectations for my lifespan.

One thing I do recommend is to ensure your doctor gives you the best anti-nausea med possible, and to take the drug at bedtime. I have found Zofran to be an effective anti-emetic, but if it's not strong enough, there are plenty of newer drugs out there. I had a combo of Kytril and Emend when I did another clinical trial of new drugs in 2005.

If I can answer any questions or be of help, please feel free to ask.

Regards,
Johanna McKenna
19+year survivor and current patient
Grade III Oligoastrocytoma

I remember you asking me this question the other day so I saw this article in an oncology journal and copy and pasted to your wall. I hope this gives you clarification on your question although there seems to be no wrong answer. Good luck...article posted below, Carm RN.

Optimal dosing for TMZ: 1 hour prior to RT versus bedtime

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Optimal dosing for TMZ: 1 hour prior to RT versus bedtime

In clinical trials, temozolomide (Temodar) has been administered 1 hour prior to radiotherapy; however, most medical oncologists prescribe dosing at bedtime. Is there a difference in dosing (1 hour prior to radiotherapy vs bedtime) with tempzolomide plus radiotherapy for glioblastoma multiforme (GBM)? —Gayle Groshko, RN, BSN, OCN

Temozolomide, or TMZ, (Temodar) capsules should be taken with a glass of water, and given that absorption can be influenced by food, it should be taken on an empty stomach or at bedtime to reduce episodes of nausea or vomiting. In addition, TMZ should not be administered with other medications through the same IV line, which prohibits IV injection of radioactive materials. A review of existing literature does not demonstrate a significant difference between giving TMZ 1 hour prior to RT versus bedtime dosing in patients receiving combination therapy with RT for GBM, but studies have indicated a synergistic effect may be experienced with the combination of RT, arsenic trioxide, and TMZ. The administration of RT followed by arsenic trioxide and TMZ demonstrated striking synergy in U251T human glioma cell.

TMZ is an antineoplastic or alkylating agent (triazene) approved for the treatment of newly diagnosed, high-grade glioma, glioblastoma multiforme (a severe form of brain cancer). Temozolamide received accelerated approval in 1999 for the refractory anaplastic astrocytoma which later lead to a full approval based on results in adults with newly diagnosed glioblastoma multiforme. During a phase III study conducted by the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancers in patients with newly diagnosed GBM, the safety and efficacy of TMZ was established in 573 patients who were randomized to either TMZ + radiotherapy (RT) or RT alone. It was identified that those who received TMZ + RT treatment required prophylaxis against pneumocystsis carini pneumonia despite lymphocyte count and this was to continue until the recovery of lymphocytopenia was established. —Abinbola Farinde, PharmD, MS, BCPP, CGP, LCDC, PM/PRC, FACP, FACA, FNAP, Rsci, ARSPharmS



REFERENCES

· 1. Miglierini P, Bouchekoua M, Rousseau B, et al. Impact of the per-operatory application of GLIADEL wafers (BCNU, carmustine) in combination with temozolomide and radiotherapy in patients with glioblastoma multiforme: efficacy and toxicity. Clin Neurol Neurosurg. 2012;114(9):1222-1225.

· 2. Portnow J, Gaur S, Synold TW. A clonogenic study of arsenic trioxide (ATO) and temozolomide (TMZ) together and in combination with radiation therapy (RT) in a human glioma cell line. J Clin Oncol (Meeting Abstracts). 2006;24(18 suppl):11506.

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Djvermont, I had brain surgery to combat brain cancer about four years ago. About two years after that my health became so bad I had to retire. I just finished a long series of HYPERBOLIC OXYGEN THERAPY. I is usually used to help with external wounds but may also help with internal wounds due to surgery. I learned about this years after my surgery and the docs say it would have been better if I had done this painless process sooner after my surgery. Just a thought.

Hey.so I am a little confused. Did he have surgery or just a biopsy.

Welcome to the WhatNext family. I am an oncology nurse and I am always available to answer any questions you may have. There are many here with similar circumstances willing to share their experiences with you. Best

Hello and welcome. I too have oligoastrocytoma but grade 2. I am 28 and found out in April of this year. Right now we are watching and waiting before doing any treatments. Good luck to your partner. If you need anything let me know.

Hi Djvermont
Welcome and glad you found all of us.
Ask any and all questions you might have. All of us are more than happy to answer them.
Be strong hang in there. And smile.

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Welcome to the WhatNext family! The WhatNext family is made up of people like you who are looking for help or looking to help others. To help you along your journey the WhatNext family has put together a Beginner's Guide to Cancer that I highly recommend you check-out here: http://bit.ly/10BQKCi. Also, please do not hesitate to reach out to others or ask for help.

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