5-Fluorouracil and 1-(2-Chloroethyl)-3-cyclohexyl-1-nitrosourea (CCNU) Followed by Hydroxyurea, Misonidazole, and Irradiation for Brain Stem Gliomas: A Pilot Study of the Brain Tumor Research Center and the Childrens Cancer Group

Abstract

Twenty-eight evaluable children with the diagnosis of brain stem glioma were treated with 5-fluorouracil and CCNU before posterior fossa irradiation (5500 rads); during irradiation, the children received hydroxyurea and misonidazole, The treatment was well tolerated, and minimal toxicity was produced. The median relapse-free survival was 32 weeks, and the median survival was 44 weeks. Analysis of covariates showed that, in patients between the ages of 2 and 19 years, survival was longest in the older children (P < 0.02). Tumor histology, sex, extent of operation (if any), Karnofsky score, and radiation dose did not correlate with survival.