Local immunotherapy (beta-IFN) and systemic chemotherapy in primary glial tumors

Dosage and schedules for the treatment of malignant glial tumors using IFN (interferon) are still uncertain and controversial. In this study we give the preliminary results of treatment in 28 patients with glioblastoma multiforme (GBM). 6 patients were treated with local injection of beta-IFN through an Ommaya reservoir; 4 patients with beta-IFN followed by systemic chemotherapy (Cisplatin + Etoposide), and 18 patients with chemotherapy only. Two end points were evaluated: 1) Whether or not the patients responded to treatment. 2) Length of Time to Tumor Progression (TTP) after surgery. We found that IFN alone was ineffective. Results were improved when local immunotherapy was associated with systemic chemotherapy. New drugs and investigation of possible pharmacological synergism are needed.