147 Accelerated radiation with concomitant carboplatin for glioblastoma multiforme

The long-term efficacy and safety of postoperative accelerated fractionated radiotherapy with concomitant carboplatin was evaluated in 83 patients with glioblastoma multiforme. Patients received 2 Gy radiation three times a day for two 5-day cycles separated by 2 weeks. Prior to each radiation treatment a 2-hour intravenous infusion of 33 mg/m 2 carboplatin was administered. Following radiotherapy, patients were to receive procarbazine, CCNU, and vincristine, (PCV) for one year or until tumor progression. Seventy-four patients with a median age of 55 years received at least one course of PCV. Their median survival duration was 55 weeks. Covariates individually predictive of improved survival were younger age ( P P  = 0.055), total or subtotal resection vs. biopsy ( P  = 0.056) and smaller radiation volume ( P  = 0.008). Seven patients had documented therapy-induced neurotoxicity. Accelerated fractionated radiotherapy, as used, enables concomitant full dose administration of chemotherapy or radio sensitizing agents in glioblastoma multiforme.