A review of studies of the EORTC brain tumor group

The results of three randomized trials performed by the EORTC Brain Tumor Group in patients with histologically proven brain gliomas are presented. CCNU (130 mg/m2 every 6 weeks) in combination with dexamethazone (4-20 mg daily) prolonged total survival compared to a group of patients treated only with corticosteroids. CCNU (130 mg/m2 every 6 weeks) either alone or one day after VM-26 (100 mg/m2) produced an objective remission in less than 30% of treated patients. However, the two treatment modalities did not prolong the interval between surgical removal of the tumor and relapse (recurrence). None of 12 patients with signs of brain tumor recurrence previously treated with VM-26 plus CCNU responded to procarbazine (3-week courses of 150 mg/m2/day).