Objective: To investigate the effectiveness of treatment of recurrent malignant brain gliomas by surgical excision combined with biodegradable polymers of interstitial chemotherapy.
Methods: In 30 patients with recurrent malignant brain gliomas, the tumor was surgically removed and Vp-16 biodegradable polymers were implanted during operation in the tumor bed at a dose of 100 - 150 mg. The patients were followed up for 3 - 24 months, and the results were compared with 46 cases with the recurrent malignant brain gliomas who received operation only.
Results: At 3, 6, 12, 24 months after treatment, the recurrent rate was 16.7%, 30%, 50% and 83.3%, respectively; the mortality rate was 6.67%, 20%, 40% and 70%, respectively. All the patients had no apparent side-effects of chemotherapy.
Conclusion: Surgical treatment combined with interstitial chemotherapy with biodegradable Vp-16 polymers improves the treatment result of recurrent malignant brain gliomas compared to surgery alone.