Deferiprone Enhances Temozolomide Cytotoxicity in Glioma Cells

Glioblastoma is the most malignant primary brain tumor with a median survival of 15months. Temozolomide (TMZ) is the standard of care for these patients. Iron chelators have been shown to have anti-tumor activity; however, deferiprone (DFP), an orally administered iron chelator, has not been previously evaluated in gliomas. In the present study, we found that combination treatment in glioma cells with TMZ and DFP significantly reduced cell viability, produced cell cycle arrest at G2/M phase, and enhanced apoptosis. TMZ and DFP might be a potent new combination treatment for glioblastoma.