A pilot protocol to treat recurrent glioblastoma was developed using fractionated stereotactic radiosurgery with concurrent intravenous Taxol as a radiation sensitizer. Methods: The treatment outcome was analyzed in two groups of patients with recurrent glioblastoma. Group 1 was analyzed retrospectively, and consisted of 9 patients with a median tumor volume of 9.2 cm3 treated with single-fraction stereotactic radiosurgery alone (mean radiation dose of 19.2 Gy). In group 2, prospectively analyzed, were 14 patients treated with fractionated stereotactic radiotherapy and concurrent Taxol. Results: The median survival in group 2 was 14.2 months versus 6.3 months in group 1 (p < 0.04). One-year survival for patients who received fractionated radiotherapy with Taxol was 50% compared to 11% for those treated with single-fraction radiotherapy only (p = 0.05). Conclusions: Survival for group 2 patients was significantly better compared to those treated with single-fraction radiotherapy alone. These data should stimulate the investigation of both fractionated stereotactic radiotherapy and the development of radiation sensitizers to further enhance treatment.

Keywords:
Glioblastoma multiforme, Neoplasms, Recurrence, Fractionated stereotactic radiosurgery, Taxol
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© 1998 S. Karger AG, Basel
1998
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