Abstract
BACKGROUND: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of apatinib plus tenozolomide in the treatment of recurrent malignant brain glioma. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of 108 patients with recurrent malignant brain glioma was conducted at our hospital. Out of these, 54 patients received apatinib plus tenozolomide as combination therapy (Combination group) while the remaining 54 were treated with temozolomide alone (Control group). Clinical data was collected and analyzed to compare the treatment efficacy and incidence of adverse reactions between the two groups. Additionally, patient survival and progression-free survival (PFS) were monitored and recorded. RESULTS: The study evaluated the efficacy of a treatment among patients who completed it. The Combination group had a higher objective response rate (ORR) and disease control rate (DCR) compared to the Control group. Treatment-related adverse reactions were mostly grade I-II and improved with symptomatic treatment. The Combination group had higher incidence rates of hypertension, proteinuria, and hand-foot syndrome. Follow-up results showed that the Combination group had a significantly better overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) than the Control group. CONCLUSION: Compared with temozolomide alone, apatinib plus tenozolomide can significantly improve the clinical efficacy in treating recurrent malignant brain glioma, prolong the survival of patients and produce tolerable adverse reactions.