Weekly vinblastine is a therapeutic option in recurrent/refractory pediatric low-grade gliomas

• BACKGROUND: In a majority of cases efficient treatment of low-grade gliomas in the pediatric population is achieved by surgery, sometimes accompanied by chemotherapy according to the LGG SIOP 2003 protocol. However, some cases of LGG is refractory, treatment options in these cases often consists of LGG SIOP 2003 relapse protocol or radiotherapy. Vinblastine can be used as a secondline chemotherapy.METHODS: Four patients with refractory low grade gliomas were given vinblastine intravenously. These patients had previously failed chemotherapy and/or radiation for unresectable low-grade glioma. Tumor location has differed, 1 brainstem, 1 optic pathway, 1 thalamus, 1 cerebellar. Three of the patients were given vinblastine at a dose of 6mg/m2 weekly, the fourth patient received a 50% dose reduction because of intolerable side-effects. The treatment was given for at least 12 months in three of the cases.RESULTS: There have been significant reduction of tumor size in the 3 patients who have received vinblastine for at least 12 months. Response to treatment has been followed at three months interval with MRI. None of the patients have been forced to discontinue the treatment because of intolerable side-effects. The fourth patient has been treated for three months and follow-up with MRI indicates a slight reduction of tumor size.CONCLUSION: Vinblastine should be considered as a secondline chemotherapy in refractory low grade gliomas. Extended administration (>12 months) seems to be tolerated well. If untolerable side effects dose reduction should be tried.

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