STUDY DESIGN:
C6 glioma cells and an intramedullary spinal cord tumor model were used to evaluate the effect of bevacizumab (Avastin) or temozolomide (TMZ).
OBJECTIVE:
In this study, we hypothesized that treatment with bevacizumab accelerates the therapeutic effect of TMZ on intramedullary gliomas in an animal model.
SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA:
Recently therapies for the management of intramedullary malignant gliomas include surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy. Concurrent or adjuvant TMZ has been considered an emerging new treatment for intramedullary malignant gliomas; however, high-dose application of TMZ has limitation of side effect.
METHODS:
C6 glioma cells were injected into the T5 level of the spinal cord, and TMZ and bevacizumab were administered 5 days after C6 inoculation (n = 7 for each group). Tumor size was analyzed using histology and magnetic resonance imaging at 13 days after tumor inoculation.
RESULTS:
Histological analyses and magnetic resonance imaging findings showed that combined treatment with TMZ and bevacizumab reduced tumor mass. The tumor volume of control group was 2.8-fold higher than combined therapy (P < 0.05). Neurological outcomes demonstrated that combined therapy improved hind limb function more than TMZ-alone group or control group (P < 0.05).
CONCLUSION:
This study shows that bevacizumab could be useful in combination with TMZ to increase the therapeutic benefits of TMZ for intramedullary spinal cord tumors.
LEVEL OF EVIDENCE:
N/A.