Anti-PD-1, anti-VEGF, and temozolomide therapy in a patient with recurrent glioblastoma: a case report

Background Patients suffering from postoperative recurrent glioblastoma have an extremely unfavorable outcome because there are no proven therapeutic options. The median overall survival for those with relapsed glioblastoma after surgery is only 7.5 months. Case presentation: Between March 2015 and October 2019, a 44-year-old female patient with recurrent glioblastoma was treated by our medical team. After several failed rounds of therapy, the patient was subsequently treated with the anti-programmed death (PD)-1 antibody nivolumab, anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) antibody bevacizumab, and cytotoxic agent temozolomide. Results The patient showed a sustainable complete response to the regimen. To date, there have been no serious toxic side effects. As of October 2019 (the last follow-up), the patient has been in complete remission for 17 months since recurrence. Conclusion The experience of this complicated case indicates the possible application of immune checkpoint inhibitors, anti-angiogenesis agents, and cytotoxic reagents for recurrent glioblastoma. The administration of this three-agent regimen appears safe and effective. However, further clinical trials are warranted.