Temozolomide and radiation in low-grade and anaplastic gliomas: temoradiation.

Recently completed trials suggest the addition of nitrosourea-based chemotherapy to radiotherapy increases the progression-free but not overall survival of grade II and III gliomas. Temozolomide has proven benefit in grade II/III gliomas progressive following standard therapy and when added to radiation for glioblastoma. Newly launched and planned phase III trials will explore whether the addition of temozolomide to radiotherapy improves overall survival in grade II/III as well as the prognostic and predictive value of 1p/19q analyses and MGMT promotor methylation status. Additionally, they will measure cognition and quality of life to determine if improvements in time to progression translate into better functional status and patient satisfaction.