Criteria for Evaluating Treatment Regimens for Patients with Brain Tumors

Abstract

The authors describe two criteria in current use for evaluating the direct effect of a treatment on brain tumors. One of them has been made by authors following the criteria for evaluating patients with a solid tumor which was reported by Koyama and Saito. In these criteria, the effect of therapy was evaluated mainly from the results of computed tomography (CT) scan. Complete response was defined as complete resolution of all radiographic signs of intracranial tumor; partial response as a 50% or greater decrease in tumor size; no change as a decrease less than 50% and increase less than 25%; progressive disease as a 25% or greater increase in tumor size. The other criteria were described by Levin, et al. in which the effect of therapy was evaluated from results of a neurological examination, radionuclide scintiscan and CT scan. Response was defined as an improvement in at least two of the three tests while the patient was receiving a stable or decreasing dose of steroids. Progressive disease was defined as a deterioration in at least two of the three tests while the patient was receiving a stable or increasing dose of steroids. No change was defined as disease which neither progressed nor regressed as defined above. The details of the criteria are described and their role is discussed.