Abstract |
Despite many attempts to improve the survival after surgery of patients with malignant astrocytoma the prognosis is poor. We have used natural IFN-alpha in 16 patients with malignant astrocytoma treated between 1987 and 1990; 6 for recurrent tumors. Radiation therapy was given in 2 Gy fractions daily to a total dose of 50 Gy in the tumor area, 5 fractions per week and IFN twice per week, cisplatinum 60 mg/m2 i.v. every second week and vincristine 2 mg every week in 12-h i.v. infusions. Eight patients were reoperated when clinical deterioration suggested recurrent tumor; histological examination showed no residual tumor in 7 of them. Of these 8 patients 3 are alive and well, 2 of them after more than 5 years. The study suggests that malignant astrocytoma can be successfully eradicated with surgery, irradiation, IFN-alpha and chemotherapy. The treatment had, however, unacceptably high neurotoxicity. Earlier removal of the tumor necrosis, before clinical deterioration, could possibly diminish the high complication rate and consequently improve survival.
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Authors | B Jereb, G Petric-Grabnar, B Klun, J Lamovec, M Skrbec, E Soos |
Journal | Acta oncologica (Stockholm, Sweden)
(Acta Oncol)
Vol. 33
Issue 6
Pg. 651-4
( 1994)
ISSN: 0284-186X [Print] England |
PMID | 7946443
(Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)
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Chemical References |
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Topics |
- Adult
- Aged
- Astrocytoma
(therapy)
- Brain Neoplasms
(therapy)
- Combined Modality Therapy
- Female
- Glioblastoma
(therapy)
- Humans
- Interferon-alpha
(therapeutic use)
- Male
- Middle Aged
- Neoplasm Recurrence, Local
(therapy)
- Survival Analysis
- Treatment Outcome
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