International journal of radiation oncology, biology, physics
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Int. J. Radiat. Oncol. Biol. Phys. · Jun 1996
ReviewOperation and permanent low activity 125I brachytheraphy for recurrent high-grade astrocytomas.
Twenty-two adult patients with recurrent high grade astrocytomas [18 glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) and 4 anaplastic astrocytoma (AA) at time of implant] underwent therapy at the University of Washington from October 1991 through March 1995, with repeat craniotomy, maximal debulking of tumor, and placement of permanent low activity 125I seeds. Median age was 41 years and median Karnofsky performance status was 90. Median survival for the entire group was 65 weeks from the time of implant. ⋯ There was one case of symptomatic radiation injury that resolved with steroid therapy, and no patient required repeat craniotomy for parenchymal necrosis. For patients with recurrent GBM, treatment with resection and permanent low activity 125I brachytherapy yielded improved survival compared to an internal historical control group treated with resection and chemotherapy (p = 0.023). Craniotomy with maximal tumor debulking and placement of low activity 125I seeds yields encouraging results with minimal morbidity in patients with recurrent high-grade astrocytomas.
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Int. J. Radiat. Oncol. Biol. Phys. · Jun 1996
Treatment results for 149 medulloblastoma patients from one institution.
Retrospective analysis of patients with medulloblastoma to determine the effectiveness of previous treatments for medulloblastoma and plan for future management strategies. ⋯ T stage, VP shunt, radiation doses and extent of surgery were important prognostic factors. In this study, radiation doses of more than 50 Gy to the posterior fossa and 30 Gy to the craniospinal axis resulted in improved survival.