A pilot study of cis-diamminedichloroplatinum and radiation therapy in patients with high grade astrocytomas

A pilot study was performed combining cis-diamminedichloroplatinum (CDDP) and radiation therapy to treat patients with high-grade astrocytomas. CDDP at a dose of 40 mg/ m²/ week intravenously was given during the course of cranial irradiation. Following irradiation, CDDP was given every three weeks on a schedule of 35-40 mg/ m²/ day for three days until toxicity became unacceptable or until tumor progression occurred. Radiation therapy consisted of 6 000 rads over a seven week period or 5 000 rads followed by an additional 1500 rads to the tumor site. Patients were followed by computerized axial tomography (CT) scan and neurologic examination. Thirty patients were entered onto the study; 22 were considered evaluable. The median survival was 53 weeks and the median time to progression was 21 weeks. Toxicity was generally tolerable; however, ototoxicity may be enhanced by this treatment. CDDP combined with cranial irradiation is tolerable and feasible, although close follow-up is recommended in case CDDP has to be temporarily interrupted.