There must be a lot of people who have already dealt with this issue but I didn't see any discussions on it.
I'm 47 years old with a recurrent grade 2 Astrocytoma previously treated with surgeries. Just over 12 years ago it was also treated with radiation, but not with chemotherapy. It's IDH1 mutated, unmethylated and 1p/19q are intact. I'm deciding between radiation followed by PCV or radiation with Temodar and adjuvant Temodar.
The results of RTOG 9802 make PCV appear to be a reasonable option, but RTOG 0424 Temodar results are just as good. My doctor's say Temodar will be as effective as PCV and more tolerable. The advantages of PCV are: the RTOG 9802 survival plot for IDH1 mutations looks good, it's a multi-agent treatment, the methylation status isn't a factor, and there seems to be less risk of hypermutation.
Has anyone with similar tumor characteristics chosen PCV over Temodar, if so what influenced your decision and how did it work out?
Hi,
I'm updating this discussion for anyone in the future who might be interested.
I've had the 3 opinions below.
UCSF:
They didn't give me any new information about hypermutation. Results of trials will be released in 3 or 4 years.
They confirmed my diagnosis and recommended SOC with 6 cycles. They said there was no information more cycles or a different dose schedule provided any benefit. I wasn't eligible for the Everolimus or the other 2 trials for low-grade tumors.
UCLA:
This is where the recurrence was initially diagnosed.
They recommended SOC. With the following expected response rates for patients similar to me
50% without radiation.
75% response rate with radiation.
I didn't get a definition of response, but I think it means either shrinkage or cessation of growth.
Said there's no data to indicate the ketogenic diet helps, but it won't hurt
UCSD:
Confirmed diagnosis.
Said preliminary study results indicate Temodar works about as well as PCV.
10 or 15 % experience hypermutation.
12 cycles recommended.
Most tumors cease growing and about 15% of patients see a reduction in tumor size.
MGMT is less important in low-grade tumors than high-grade tumors.
IDH1 mutated tumors are more chemosensitive.
Treatment: I decided to go with proton radiation + Temodar. I can always change my mind after radiation if new information indicates switching chemo is best. I'm also taking various supplements and started the ketogenic diet.
I had my first proton and Temodar yesterday and woke up surprised by how much it affected me. Symptoms included: fatigue, headache, and I threw up after only 3 sips of coffee. An extra Ondanestron cleared up the nausea after about 1/2 hour.