Effect of combined bevacizumab and temozolomide treatment on intramedullary spinal cord tumor.

Study Design: C6 glioma cells and an intramedullary spinal cord tumor model were used to evaluate the effect of bevacizumab (Avastin) or temozolomide (TMZ).

Objective: In this study, we hypothesized that treatment with bevacizumab accelerates the therapeutic effect of TMZ on intramedullary gliomas in an animal model.

Summary Of Background Data: Recently therapies for the management of intramedullary malignant gliomas include surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy. Concurrent or adjuvant TMZ has been considered an emerging new treatment for intramedullary malignant gliomas; however, high-dose application of TMZ has limitation of side effect.

Methods: C6 glioma cells were injected into the T5 level of the spinal cord, and TMZ and bevacizumab were administered 5 days after C6 inoculation (n = 7 for each group). Tumor size was analyzed using histology and magnetic resonance imaging at 13 days after tumor inoculation.

Results: Histological analyses and magnetic resonance imaging findings showed that combined treatment with TMZ and bevacizumab reduced tumor mass. The tumor volume of control group was 2.8-fold higher than combined therapy (P < 0.05). Neurological outcomes demonstrated that combined therapy improved hind limb function more than TMZ-alone group or control group (P < 0.05).

Conclusion: This study shows that bevacizumab could be useful in combination with TMZ to increase the therapeutic benefits of TMZ for intramedullary spinal cord tumors.

Level Of Evidence: N/A.