Anlotinib & STUPP: Glioblastoma PFS Benefit, No OS Gain
Anlotinib, when added to standard glioblastoma treatment, significantly boosts progression-free survival (PFS), a key finding from the ASCO Annual Meeting. Yet, despite this promising PFS benefit, the study showed no overall survival (OS) improvement. Researchers are now questioning the ultimate value of anti-angiogenic agents, like bevacizumab, for this aggressive cancer. The results highlight the complex relationship between these drugs and overall survival. The study also noted the potential influence of MGMT promoter methylation status, suggesting it may affect how patients respond to treatment, though more research is needed for a conclusive understanding. News Directory 3 delivers cutting-edge insights from the conference. Explore the latest research and uncover the nuances of glioblastoma treatment—discover what’s next for treatment strategies, biomarkers, and patient outcomes.
Anlotinib Improves Glioblastoma Progression-Free Survival
Updated June 1, 2025
The addition of anlotinib to standard care for newly diagnosed glioblastoma patients extends progression-free survival (PFS), according to recent findings presented at the ASCO Annual Meeting. However, the study did not demonstrate a statistically meaningful overall survival (OS) benefit.
The results raise questions about the efficacy of anti-angiogenic agents in treating glioblastoma. Dr. Lee noted that while drugs like bevacizumab have anti-edema effects and can offer clinical benefits, their impact on overall survival remains uncertain.
“There is some clinical benefit that comes from these drugs,” Lee said. “It’s not to say they’re useless.do they actually impact survival is a different question.”
One hypothesis suggests that anti-angiogenic drugs may alter the blood-brain barrier, making it harder to accurately assess tumor response rates.This could explain why PFS prolongation doesn’t always translate into improved OS.
the study also explored the role of MGMT promoter methylation status in predicting treatment response. While there was a suggestion of OS benefits in patients with methylated MGMT, the sample size was small, and more data is needed.
“It could still be meaningful,” Lee said.“Why would we see a benefit just in the methylated group but not the unmethylated group? It’s not like the drug has some target that you see in higher rates in patients [with MGMT promoter methylation status] that you would say that’s why it affects [those] patients differently.”
Lee also noted the need for further research into epigenetic factors that might explain the differences in treatment response between patients with and without MGMT promoter methylation.
what’s next
Further studies with larger patient cohorts and more mature data are needed to fully understand the role of anlotinib and other anti-angiogenic agents in glioblastoma treatment, particularly in relation to MGMT promoter methylation status and other potential biomarkers.