Effects of Dimethyl Fumarate on the Karnofsky Performance Status and Serum S100β Level in Newly Glioblastoma Patients: A Randomized, Phase-II, Placebo, Triple Blinded, Controlled Trial

Glioblastoma (GBM) is a common and aggressive brain cancer with limited treatment options. This study explores whether dimethyl fumarate (DMF), a drug with anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties, can improve outcomes for GBM patients undergoing surgery. The trial involved 36 GBM patients who received either DMF or a placebo before and after surgery, along with standard treatments like radiotherapy and chemotherapy. The study measured Karnofsky Performance Status (KPS) scores (a measure of functional ability) and serum S100β levels (an indicator of brain injury). The study found that while DMF did not significantly affect serum S100β levels, it was associated with higher KPS scores after surgery compared to the placebo group. This suggests DMF may have a positive impact on patients' functional status following GBM surgery.

• 1
  DMF administration was associated with a statistically significant increase in KPS scores one month after surgery compared to the control group (P=0.001).
• 2
  There was no statistically significant difference in serum S100β levels between the DMF and control groups before or after surgery (P>0.05).
• 3
  Headache was the most common adverse event reported in both groups, and the frequency of adverse events was not significantly different between the groups (P=0.95), suggesting that DMF is relatively safe.