Quality and duration of survival in glioblastoma multiforme. Combined surgical, radiation, and lomustine therapy.

A retrospective evaluation of the quality and length of survival of 74 patients nonrandomly receiving lomustine, 100 to 110 mg/sq m, following craniotomy and irradiation for glioblastoma multiforme was performed. After surgery all patients were capable of at least partial self-care. Patients receiving postoperative irradiation and lomustine had a median survival of 11.5 months. While receiving chemotherapy, 40% of these patients were capable of at least partial employment; 75% were able to care for themselves. These levels of function were stable for 70% of the average postoperative course (8.0 months), following which a decline ensued.