[Results of conventional radiotherapy in malignant gliomas:]

Results of radiotherapy for 164 supratentorial malignant gliomas were analyzed based on recent histological subclassification into glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) and anaplastic astrocytoma (AA). Patients with AA had a better prognosis than those with GBM. The 5-year survival rate was 1% for GBM and 16% for AA. The size of radiation field did not influence survival significantly, and whole brain radiation appeared of no benefit. Survival time prolonged with an increase of radiation dose between 45 Gy and 72 Gy. The optimal radiotherapy for the disease is discussed.