Treatment of glioblastoma with intravenous taurolidine. First clinical experience

Background: 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.

Patients and methods: Two male patients with histopathologically diagnosed glioblastoma were included. The tumors were progressive despite conventional therapy. Intravenous taurolidine treatment was initiated.

Results: 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.

Conclusion: Both patients achieved a transient, marked improvement in quality of life and partial tumor remission. There was a clear response to the taurolidine treatment.