Treatment of glioblastoma with intravenous taurolidine. first clinical experience
Stendel, R.; Picht, T.; Schilling, A.; Heidenreich, J.; Loddenkemper, C.; Jänisch, W.; Brock, M.
Anticancer Research 24(2c): 1143-1147
2004
ISSN/ISBN: 0250-7005 PMID: 15154639 Document Number: 569071
Despite progress in diagnosis and therapy, the prognosis of patients with glioblastoma remains poor. Recently it has been found that the antibacterial agent taurolidine has a direct and selective antineoplastic effect on brain tumor cells by the induction of programmed cell death. This paper reports on intravenous taurolidine treatment in two patients with a progressive glioblastoma despite conventional therapy. Two male patients with histopathologically diagnosed glioblastoma were included. The tumors were progressive despite conventional therapy. Intravenous taurolidine treatment was initiated. The neurological condition and quality of life improved in both patients such that they could be discharged for further outpatient treatment. Follow-up demonstrated partial remission of the tumor in both patients. However, both patients died about 4 months following the start of taurolidine treatment, from pneumonia and acute thrombembolism, respectively. Both patients achieved a transient, marked improvement in quality of life and partial tumor remission. There was a clear response to the taurolidine treatment.