Radiotherapy, hyperthermia, and photodynamic therapy for central nervous system tumors

This review concentrates on malignant gliomas, with brief mention of cerebral lymphomas, other primary intracranial tumors, and metastases. A recurring theme in the current literature on malignant glioma is the importance of prognostic factors other than treatment in determining outcome. Interesting results are emerging from newer strategies of stereotactic radiotherapy, brachytherapy, and photodynamic therapy, although authors who report these results acknowledge that they have often reviewed patients with intrinsically good prognoses. The year's literature has provided a consolidation of information on prognostic factors, relapse patterns, treatment volume, and dose, providing a basis for future progress.