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Magnetic resonance spectroscopy as an early indicator of response to anti-angiogenic therapy in patients with recurrent glioblastoma: RTOG 0625/ACRIN 6677

Ratai EM, Zhang Z, Snyder BS, Boxerman JL, Safriel Y, McKinstry RC, Bokstein F, Gilbert MR et al.

Neuro-oncology, 2013

13 participants

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The prognosis for patients with recurrent glioblastoma remains poor. The purpose of this study was to assess the potential role of MR spectroscopy as an early indicator of response to anti-angiogenic therapy.

METHODS: Thirteen patients with recurrent glioblastoma were enrolled in RTOG 0625/ACRIN 6677, a prospective multicenter trial in which bevacizumab was used in combination with either temozolomide or irinotecan. Patients were scanned prior to treatment and at specific timepoints during the treatment regimen. Postcontrast T1-weighted MRI was used to assess 6-month progression-free survival. Spectra from the enhancing tumor and peritumoral regions were defined on the postcontrast T1-weighted images. Changes in the concentration ratios of n-acetylaspartate/creatine (NAA/Cr), choline-containing compounds (Cho)/Cr, and NAA/Cho were quantified in comparison with pretreatment values.

RESULTS: NAA/Cho levels increased and Cho/Cr levels decreased within enhancing tumor at 2 weeks relative to pretreatment levels (P = .048 and P = .016, respectively), suggesting a possible antitumor effect of bevacizumab with cytotoxic chemotherapy. Nine of the 13 patients were alive and progression free at 6 months. Analysis of receiver operating characteristic curves for NAA/Cho changes in tumor at 8 weeks revealed higher levels in patients progression free at 6 months (area under the curve = 0.85), suggesting that NAA/Cho is associated with treatment response. Similar results were…

How strong is the evidence?

Evidence Hub reads this as a randomized trial, done in people. Its evidence level is 3 of 5 (Moderate · trial / cohort / secondary analysis). Trials without a large randomized design, cohorts and secondary analyses give moderate evidence. Reported size: 13 participants or records.

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