title: The role of BCNU polymer wafers (Gliadel) in the treatment of malignant glioma.
abstract: The 1,3-bis(2-chloroethyl)-1-nitrosourea (BCNU; carmustine) polymer wafer (Gliadel) was developed for use in malignant glioma to deliver higher doses of chemotherapy directly to tumor tissue while bypassing systemic side effects. Phase III clinical trials for patients with newly diagnosed malignant gliomas demonstrated a small, but statistically significant, improvement in survival. However, the rate of complications, including an increase in cerebrospinal fluid leaks and intracranial hypertension, has limited their use. This article reviews the current data for use of BCNU wafers in malignant gliomas.
authors.affiliation: Division of Neuro-Oncology, Department of Neurology, Stanford Advanced Medicine Center, 875 Blake Wilbur Drive, CC2221, Stanford, CA 94305-5826, USA. snagpal@stanford.edu
authors.forename: Seema
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Nagpal
mesh_terms: D018906:Antineoplastic Agents, Alkylating / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001932:Brain Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy*; D002330:Carmustine / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003652:Decanoic Acids / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003692:Delayed-Action Preparations / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004337:Drug Carriers / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005910:Glioma / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006801:Humans; D011091:Polyesters / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D018906:Antineoplastic Agents, Alkylating; D003652:Decanoic Acids; D003692:Delayed-Action Preparations; D004337:Drug Carriers; D011091:Polyesters; C055401:decanedioic acid-4,4'-(1,3-propanediylbis(oxy))bis(benzoic acid) copolymer; D002330:Carmustine