Treatment of glioblastoma multiforme. A review

Experience in irradiating 114 patients with glioblastoma multiforme is reviewed. The split-course therapy utilized in this series, even to high doses (approximately 5 600 rad in 20 fractions over 45 to 50 days), was not associated with an improved survival and does not seem of benefit over conventional fractionation. Adding BCNU (or perhaps tri-iodothyronine) to medium field (less than 135 mc) and moderate dose irradiation (5 000 rad in 25 treatments in 33 days) may improve the outlook for patients with glioblastoma multiforme. An expanded controlled clinical trial to assess this promise of improved treatment results seems indicated.