Thallium-201 SPECT as response parameter for PCV chemotherapy in recurrentglioma

Combination chemotherapy with procarbazine, CCNU and vincristine (PCV) may be effective in patients with recurrent glioma. Response monitoring is mand atory, but radiological response evaluation is often difficult. We evaluate d Thallium-201 (Tl-201) SPECT as a response parameter in ten patients treat ed with intensive PCV chemotherapy for recurrent glioma. Tl-201-SPECT studi es showed early changes (decreasing volume and intensity) in nine patients and these changes were more pronounced than radiological findings. Tl-201-S PECT results after completion of chemotherapy seemed to correlate with clin inal findings during follow up. We conclude that Tl-201-SPECT may contribut e to the assessment of response in patients treated with PCV chemotherapy f or recurrent glioma.