[Radio-chemotherapy of inoperable malignant brain gliomas]

Numerous studies have proved the benefit of the use of postoperative radiotherapy in the treatment of malignant cerebral gliomas. The data concerning the efficiency of the treatment of unoperated gliomas are rather scarce. The data obtained in 28 cases of malignant cerebral gliomas, defined as inoperable and treated with radio-chemotherapy, are reported. The diagnosis was obtained through radiological and bioptic examination (21 out of 28). Using a proper treatment with cortisone "dexamethasone" at a dose of 8-16 mg/day, with telecobaltotherapy, we have reached in almost all cases (26 out of 28) doses of 60 Gy, without significant side-effects. All patients were given BCNU as chemotherapy at a dose of 80 mg/m2 every 8 weeks. The resulting average survival rate of 36 weeks, verified through CT, confirms the validity of radio-chemotherapeutical treatment. This type of treatment has been proved useful not only for prolonging the life of these patients, but also improving the quality of their life.