title: Response of astrocytoma to high-dose methotrexate with citrovorum factor rescue.
abstract: Eleven patients with astrocytoma were treated with high-dose methotrexate (HDMTX) and citrovorum factor rescue (CFR). Clinical response was observed in eight patients, including four of four with grade 3 disease, one of one with grade 2 to 3, two of four with grade four, and one of one with unspecified low-grade tumor. Two patients with grade 4 and one with grade 1 disease failed to respond. Six of the eight responses were documented radiographically. Three of these patients are alive and well without further treatment for periods of 15+, 4.5+, and 1.5+ years. The fourth living patient is surviving 2+ years and improving under continued treatment. The four surviving patients had recurrent grade 2 to 3 or grade 3 disease. HDMTX-CFR is effective in astrocytoma. Its greatest value may be in recurring grade 3 disease.
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000792:Angiography; D000971:Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001254:Astrocytoma / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology; D001932:Brain Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D002955:Leucovorin / Q000008:administration & dosage; D008297:Male; D008727:Methotrexate / Q000008:administration & dosage; D008875:Middle Aged; D009364:Neoplasm Recurrence, Local / Q000188:drug therapy; D009460:Neurologic Examination; D012640:Seizures / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000188:drug therapy; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed
chemical_list: D002955:Leucovorin; D008727:Methotrexate