Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma in an 11-Year- Old Female Treated with Antineoplastons: Complete Response and >25 Years Survival

Abstract

Rationale: Diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG), a lethal brain tumor, is the leading cause of brain tumor–related death in children. Over the past few decades clinical trials have shown no improvement in outcome. The purpose of this case study is to detail and discuss the use of Antineoplastons A-10 (Atengenal) and AS2-1 (Astugenal) in the treatment of an eleven-year-old female with a newly diagnosed DIPG. Objectives: The patient described here was enrolled into BT-11, a Phase II protocol utilizing Antineoplastons A-10 and AS2-1 in the treatment of brainstem gliomas. The patient’s tumor response to therapy was measured by sequential MRIs of the brain, with and without gadolinium contrast. Findings: At her presentation to the Burzynski Clinic (BC), the patient was alert, and weighed 42.1 Kg. Physical examination showed dysfunction of the 6th and 7th cranial nerves, with lateral movement of the left eye being decreased by approximately 30% and with left-sided facial weakness being present. The patient obtained a baseline MRI, with and without gadolinium. Post-gadolinium T1-weighted axial images showed a 0.80 cm2 enhancing pontine mass and a 2.70 cm2 non-enhancing left-sided brainstem mass. Following Antineoplastons (ANP), the patient achieved a complete response (CR) of the enhancing pontine mass. At that time, physical examination, especially neurologic examination, showed no abnormalities. The patient was last seen at the BC on October 15, 2004 and she was in excellent health with no evidence of new/recurrent disease. On August 10, 2021, correspondence with the patient indicated that she continued in excellent health (>25 years survival). Conclusions: ANP is an effective treatment for DIPG and for a variety of low- and high-grade brain tumors. Multiple Phase II protocols utilizing ANP have now been completed and its impact on the treatment of brain tumors has been widely published.