Glioblastoma: catheter techniques for isolated chemotherapy perfusion

Techniques have been developed for isolated perfusion of chemotherapeutic agents in patients with glioblastoma. Three catheters that facilitate crossing the carotid siphon have been developed; two are based on an everting or toposcopic principle, and one uses microjets for deflectability and improved mixing. Blood from the ipsilateral jugular vein is aspirated at high volumes (300 ml/min) for extracorporeal circulation through an adsorption column (for recovery of carmustine) or dialysers (for recovery of cisplatin). Preliminary experience in 10 patients suggests that high doses of chemotherapeutic agent can be administered using these catheters, with reduced retinal and systemic toxicity.