Evaluation of the addition to corticoids of a growth factor (vasopressin) in the palliative therapy of malignant brain tumours.
Changes in the clinical condition, CT scans and MRIs of patients with recurrent or inoperable astrocytomas and brain metastasis have been observed following treatment with a combination of vasopressin and corticoids. These changes have not been reported with corticoids alone--at least not over the short time reported for this therapy. Ten cases of grade II astrocytomas, seven cases of grade III or IV astrocytomas and six cases of metastasis of bronchial or breast origin were studied. To explain the results, it is proposed that vasopressin delays the 'escape' from the effects of corticoids alone and some facts and theories are recalled to help the reader understand the reasoning behind this explanation.
Clinique Neuro-Chirurgicale de l'Hôpital de la Pitié, Paris, France.
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Bernard-Weil
D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones / Q000008:administration & dosage; D000328:Adult; D000971:Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001254:Astrocytoma / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000188:drug therapy*; D001932:Brain Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000556:secondary; D005260:Female; D005909:Glioblastoma / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009364:Neoplasm Recurrence, Local / Q000188:drug therapy; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed; D014667:Vasopressins / Q000008:administration & dosage
D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones; D014667:Vasopressins