Comparisons of carmustine, procarbazine, and high-dose methylprednisolone as additions to surgery and radiotherapy for the treatment of malignant glioma.

摘要: Within 3 weeks of definitive surgery, 609 patients with histologically demonstrated, supratentorial malignant glioma were randomized to receive, in addition 6000 rads radiotherapy, one four treatment regimens: carmustine (BCNU), high-dose methylprednisolone, procarbazine, or BCNU plus methylprednisolone. We analyzed the data for total population and 527 (87% glioblastoma multiforme) whom initial protocol specifications met (the valid study group). Significantly longer survival was experienced by receiving procarbazine alone compared those only No other pairwise comparisons demonstrated differences significant at 0.05 level. However, combination methylprednisolone tended be less effective than poor prognosis. This indicates that are moderately useful agents conjunction radiotherapy glioma. In addition, future protocols may allow use corticosteroids conventional dosages treating cerebral edema controlling symptoms; conclusions based on as endpoint unlikely affected administering steroids somewhat greater usual dose. More regimens should sought.