title: Local immunotherapy (beta-IFN) and systemic chemotherapy in primary glial tumors.
abstract: Dosage and schedules for the treatment of malignant glial tumors using IFN (interferon) are still uncertain and controversial. In this study we give the preliminary results of treatment in 28 patients with glioblastoma multiforme (GBM). 6 patients were treated with local injection of beta-IFN through an Ommaya reservoir; 4 patients with beta-IFN followed by systemic chemotherapy (Cisplatin + Etoposide), and 18 patients with chemotherapy only. Two end points were evaluated: 1) Whether or not the patients responded to treatment. 2) Length of Time to Tumor Progression (TTP) after surgery. We found that IFN alone was ineffective. Results were improved when local immunotherapy was associated with systemic chemotherapy. New drugs and investigation of possible pharmacological synergism are needed.
authors.affiliation: Istituto Nazionale Neurologico C. Besta, Milano.
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Boiardi
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Silvani
authors.forename: I
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Milanesi
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Munari
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Broggi
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Botturi
mesh_terms: D000971:Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001932:Brain Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000628:therapy*; D002945:Cisplatin / Q000008:administration & dosage; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D005047:Etoposide / Q000008:administration & dosage; D005909:Glioblastoma / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D007167:Immunotherapy; D007370:Interferon Type I / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008875:Middle Aged; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed
chemical_list: D007370:Interferon Type I; D005047:Etoposide; D002945:Cisplatin