radiation therapy + temozolomide

Radiation therapy combined with temozolomide is the gold standard treatment for high-grade gliomas, particularly glioblastoma multiforme (GBM). This combination therapy involves administering temozolomide orally during radiation treatment followed by maintenance temozolomide therapy. The standard protocol includes radiation therapy delivered in 2.0 Gy single daily fractions (Monday through Friday) to a total of 60 Gy, with temozolomide given at 75 mg/m² daily during radiation and 150-200 mg/m² for 5 days every 28 days during maintenance phase. The combination has demonstrated significant survival benefits compared to radiation therapy alone, particularly in patients with methylated MGMT promoter. Temozolomide acts as a DNA methylating agent that induces DNA double-strand breaks, while radiation therapy directly damages DNA, leading to enhanced tumor cell death when used together.

Brand names

TemodarTemodal

Other names

RT + TMZradiotherapy + temozolomideconcurrent radiation therapy and temozolomideconcomitant temozolomide and radiotherapy