Intracarotid infusion of ACNU and BCNU as adjuvant therapy of malignant gliomas: clinical aspects and critical considerations

Thirty patients with malignant gliomas were treated by operation, radiotherapy and additional intracarotid infusions of ACNU and BCNU. Positive results were obtained in the treatment of oligodendrogliomas and astrocytomas grade III and IV. On the contrary, the results in cases of glioblastoma multiforme were disappointing: neither survival time nor quality of life had been significantly improved. The protective effect of phenobarbitone against systemic toxicity by ACNU was not always confirmed in this study. Based on literature reports and our own experience the indications, technical aspects, unexpected complications and results of this therapeutic approach are discussed.