IN-VITRO CHEMOSENSITIVITY TEST OF MALIGNANT GLIOMAS - CLINICAL RELEVANCE OF TEST-RESULTS INDEPENDENT OF ADJUVANT CHEMOTHERAPY

Tumor specimens of malignant human gliomas were processed in a colony forming assay (CFA, n=70) and a metabolic rest system (MTT-test, n=49) for in-vitro chemosensitivity testing. The clinical data as well as t he complete follow-up of these patients were obtained until their deat h or at least 2 years of survival. By means of multivariate statistica l analysis we demonstrate that both test systems are not influenced by biometrical data of the patient of histopathological parameters of th e tumor. According to the COX regression model the results of both ass ays are per se no prognostic factor when regarded independently of add itional treatment. However, in 33 patients treated with either ACNU or BCNU, a prospective correlative trial clearly demonstrates a predicti ve value of the CFA in adjuvant chemotherapy of gliomas.