Quality of survival of patients with brain gliomas treated with postoperative CCNU and radiation therapy

Abstract

This prospective randomized clinical trial compared the effectiveness of combined treatment with CCNU and radiation therapy to the use of radiation therapy alone for the postoperative management of supratentorial brain gliomas (67% anaplastic) in 198 patients. The results were evaluated with the aid of a specially developed weighted neuropsychological test battery providing single-value estimation of "life quality" of patients, as well as with a clinical performance scale. Based on these methods, it was established that patients improved within 6 months following therapy. This improvement was maintained in surviving patients during the 2-year follow-up period. The patients led a relatively normal life, but when their condition deteriorated their decline was rapid. The median survival time of patients treated with radiotherapy did not differ significantly from that of patients receiving chemotherapy in addition. Nor did the analysis of life quality and of changes in clinical performance show any benefit in supplementing surgery and radiation therapy with CCNU chemotherapy at the dosage used.