Newly Diagnosed Anaplastic Astrocytoma: > 23 Year Survival in a 31-Year and 11-Month-Old Female Treated with Antineoplastons

Abstract

Rationale: Anaplastic astrocytoma (AA), a malignant brain tumor that arises from astrocytic cells, has a poor prognosis. It accounts for 6–7% of gliomas and 1-2% of brain tumors. Objectives: A 31-year and 11-month-old female with an AA is presented to discuss the efficacy of Antineoplastons A10 (Atengenal) and AS2-1 (Astugenal) in the treatment of AA. She presented to the Burzynski Clinic (BC) for treatment and was enrolled in Protocol BT-08, “Phase II Study of Antineoplastons A10 and AS2-1 in Adult Patients with Anaplastic Astrocytoma”, receiving both intravenous (IV) and oral Antineoplastons A10 and AS2-1 (ANP therapy). IV ANP therapy was delivered continuously via subclavian catheter and infusion pump. Tumor response was determined by comparison of baseline brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to sequential brain MRIs during therapy. Findings: The patient presented to the BC with no prior treatment and a one-month history of right arm clumsiness and right leg weakness. Brain MRI and stereotactic biopsy performed elsewhere had demonstrated an AA. Baseline MRI at the BC showed a 2.0 cm2 nonenhancing lesion and two enhancing lesions (0.02 cm2 and 0.15 cm2 ) in the left parietal lobe. IV ANP therapy was given over 56 days, and a complete response (CR) was demonstrated after one month of therapy. Oral ANP therapy was subsequently provided for 17 months. At last follow-up, in June 2023, the patient was healthy and showed no evidence of recurrent disease. She had an overall survival (OS) of > 23 years and one month since diagnosis and an OS of > 23 years since the start of IV ANP therapy. Conclusions: The utilization of ANP therapy in an adult female patient with AA is presented. The patient achieved a CR and prolonged OS, suggesting that ANP therapy may be an effective therapeutic option for adults with AA.