The direct irradiation of cerebral gliomata

In the 10 year period 1957–66, 40 patients with cerebral gliomas were treated at Oxford using various methods of local irradiation, mainly radium ‘bombs’. The results are analysed in 30 patients who were treated by tumour excision plus bomb insertion at the primary procedure, bomb removal 7 days later, followed by a full course of external radiation. The results are compared with those achieved in patients treated by surgical excision alone or by excision combined with external radiation and it is clear that although there may have been an improvement in short-term survival the ultimate issue is not influenced.