RATIONALE: Internal radiation uses high-energy radiation to damage tumor cells. Drugs used in chemotherapy use different ways to stop tumor cells from dividing so they stop growing or die. Combining internal radiation therapy with chemotherapy implants may kill remaining tumor cells following surgery. PURPOSE: Phase I trial to study the effectiveness of internal radiation therapy plus carmustine implants in treating patients who have recurrent or refractory malignant glioma.
OBJECTIVES: I. Assess the toxic effects of concurrent permanent iodine I 125 interstitial seed implants and polifeprosan 20 with carmustine implant (Gliadel wafers) in patients with recurrent or refractory malignant glioma. II. Assess preliminary efficacy of this regimen in terms of progression free survival and overall survival of these patients. III. Assess impact of this regimen on the quality of life and performance status of these patients. IV. Assess site of tumor progression following this regimen in these patients. V. Assess the relationship between progression free survival and the MIB-1 proliferative index of the resected malignant glioma. OUTLINE: This is a dose escalation study. Patients undergo craniotomy with the intent to obtain a complete resection of enhancing tumor. Following maximum tumor removal, iodine I 125 seeds and up to 8 polifeprosan 20 with carmustine implants (Gliadel wafers) are implanted into the resected tumor cavity. Cohorts of 6 patients each receive increasing numbers of Gliadel wafers placed into the tumor cavity. Quality of life is assessed at baseline, then every 3 months, and at tumor progression. Patients are followed monthly until death. PROJECTED ACCRUAL: A total of 12-18 patients will be accrued for this study within 18 months.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Purpose
TREATMENT
Barrett Cancer Center, The University Hospital
Cincinnati, Ohio, United States
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