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Chemotherapy for brain tumors
I V Pech1, K Peterson, J G Cairncross
1Department of Neurology and Neurological Sciences, Stanford University, California, USA.
Oncology (Williston Park, N.Y.)
|May 12, 1998
Summary
Recent advances have improved chemotherapy for chemosensitive brain tumors like primary CNS lymphoma. This review covers current treatments and future strategies for various brain cancers, including glioblastomas.
Area of Science:
- Neuro-oncology
- Medical oncology
- Chemotherapy
Background:
- Cytotoxic drugs have historically had limited efficacy in brain tumor treatment.
- Significant progress in chemotherapy has been made over the last decade.
- Certain central nervous system (CNS) malignancies demonstrate high sensitivity to chemotherapy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review advances in chemotherapy for chemosensitive brain tumors.
- To discuss the application of cytotoxic and cytostatic agents in other brain tumors.
- To explore promising future directions in brain tumor treatment.
Main Methods:
- Review of recent literature on chemotherapy for brain tumors.
- Focus on primary CNS lymphoma, medulloblastoma, oligodendroglioma, and intracranial germ-cell tumors.
- Discussion of glioblastomas and anaplastic astrocytomas.
Main Results:
- Chemotherapy has shown marked efficacy in specific CNS malignancies.
- Established treatment protocols for chemosensitive tumors have advanced.
- Potential applications of chemotherapy in less responsive tumors are being explored.
Conclusions:
- Chemotherapy plays an increasingly vital role in managing specific brain tumors.
- Future strategies like high-dose chemotherapy and drug delivery systems show promise.
- Continued research is essential for improving outcomes in all brain tumor types.