Colon perforation during antiangiogenic therapy for malignant glioma

Antiangiogenic drugs have emerged as effective treatment options for patients with recurrent malignant gliomas (MGs). Though this class of drugs is generally well tolerated, rare life-threatening complications, including thromboembolism, hemorrhage, and gastrointestinal (GI) perforation, are reported. We describe six cases of GI perforation among 244 glioma patients (2.5%) during treatment with antiangiogenic agents in combination with chemotherapy and corticosteroids. Two patients succumbed to this complication, and the others recovered. Because GI perforation is a life-threatening yet treatable complication, neurooncologists must have a low threshold to consider it in patients on antiangiogenic drug therapy who present with abdominal pain and other GI complaints. Neuro-Oncology 11, 92-95, 2009 (Posted to Neuro-Oncology [serial online], Doc. D08-00073, August 29, 2008. URL http://neuro-oncology.dukejournals.org; DOI: 10.1215/15228517-2008-071)