ADDITION OF IFN-ALPHA TO TREATMENT OF MALIGNANT BRAIN-TUMORS

Despite many attempts to improve the survival after surgery of patient s with malignant astrocytoma the prognosis is poor. We have used natur al IFN-alpha in 16 patients with malignant astrocytoma treated between 1987 and 1990; 6 for recurrent tumors. Radiation therapy was given in 2 Gy fractions daily to a total dose of 50 Gy in the tumor area, 5 fr actions per week and IFN twice per week, cisplatinum 60 mg/m(2) i.v. e very second week and vincristine 2 mg every week in 12-h i.v. infusion s. Eight patients were reoperated when clinical deterioration suggeste d recurrent tumor; histological examination showed no residual tumor i n 7 of them. Of these 8 patients 3 are alive and well, 2 of them after more than 5 years. The study suggests that malignant astrocytoma can be successfully eradicated with surgery, irradiation, IFN-alpha and ch emotherapy. The treatment had, however, unacceptably high neurotoxicit y. Earlier removal of the tumor necrosis, before clinical deterioratio n, could possibly diminish the high complication rate and consequently improve survival.