NBI-3001 Followed by Surgery in Treating Patients With Recurrent Glioblastoma Multiforme

DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS: Histologically confirmed recurrent or progressive glioblastoma multiforme Previously treated with cytoreductive surgery Unilateral, unifocal tumor with a volume of 5-80 mL Not eligible for further radiotherapy due to prior external beam radiotherapy No multifocal, brain stem, or infratentorial tumor or tumor invading midline No tumor with a clinically significant mass effect (greater than 5 mm midline shift) while on stable dose of corticosteroid No clinical symptoms attributed to uncontrolled increased intracranial pressure and/or edema of the brain PATIENT CHARACTERISTICS: Age: 18 and over Performance status: Karnofsky 70-100% Life expectancy: Not specified Hematopoietic: Not specified Hepatic: Not specified Renal: Not specified Other: No focal or generalized seizure(s) within 30 days prior to enrollment No other prior or concurrent malignancy except carcinoma in situ of the cervix or basal cell or squamous cell skin cancer No medical instability due to non-malignant systemic disease No other prior or concurrent condition that would preclude study compliance Not pregnant Fertile patients must use effective contraception PRIOR CONCURRENT THERAPY: Biologic therapy: Not specified Chemotherapy: At least 4 weeks since prior antineoplastic chemotherapy Endocrine therapy: See Disease Characteristics Stable dose of dexamethasone for at least 72 hours prior to catheter placement Radiotherapy: See Disease Characteristics No prior radiosurgery boost (e.g., gamma knife or stereotactic radiosurgery) At least 8 weeks since prior radiotherapy Surgery: See Disease Characteristics At least 4 weeks since prior craniotomy