Treatment of malignant brain tumor with slowly releasing anticancer drug-polymer composites

Abstract

This report presents the methodology and results of a clinical trial of local chemotherapy of malignant glioma based on slowly releasing anticancer drug composites. The small cylinders of the composites were prepared by radiation-induced copolymerization of diethylene glycol dimethacrylate with polyethylene glycol #600 dimethacrylate in the presence of anticancer drugs such as adriamycin, 5-fluorouracil (5-Fu), and nimustine hydrochloride (ACNU) at −78°C, using γ-rays from a 60Co source. The composites obtained were administered locally to the malignant glioma. The following techniques were employed for the implantation of the specimens: 1. (1) Implantation into the remaining tumor wall at the resection. 2. (2) Implantation into the tumor by the CT-guided stereotactic method. We have implanted them into the tumors of 100 cases by a combination of radiotherapy and systemic chemotherapy.