Nimotuzumab, a humanized monoclonal antibody specific for the EGFR, in combination with temozolomide and radiation therapy for newly diagnosed glioblastoma multiforme: First results in Chinese patients

Aim: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of nimotuzumab, a humanized monoclonal antibody specific for the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), in combination with temozolomide (TMZ) and radiation therapy (RT) in the treatment of newly diagnosed glioblastoma (GBM) in Chinese patients. Methods: Twenty-six patients with newly diagnosed GBM were enrolled. All patients received standard external beam RT after surgery, with a total dose of 60 Gy in 30 fractions. During RT, concurrent TMZ was given daily at 75 mg/m(2) for 40-42 days, combined with six weekly infusions of nimotuzumab at a 200 mg dose. After a 4-week interval upon completion of RT, six cycles of adjuvant TMZ (150 to 200 mg/m(2) for 5 days in each 28-day cycle) were given. The primary end point was 6-month progression-free survival (PFS) rate. EGFR expression in tumor tissues was analyzed by immunohistochemistry. Results: Treatment was well tolerated and no grade 111 or higher grade toxicity was observed. Median PFS and overall survival (OS) were 10.0 and 15.9 months, respectively, while the 6-month PFS and OS rates were 69.2% and 88.5%, respectively. No correlation between efficacy and EGFR expression was found. Conclusions: Combination of Nimotuzumab with RT plus concomitant and adjuvant TMZ showed favorable safety and tolerability profiles in newly diagnosed GBM in Chinese patients. The survival times were similar to those seen in historical data of standard therapy.