[Local use of cytostatic drugs following removal of glioblastomas].

Local application of Methotrexate after removal of glioblastomas enables a high chemotherapeutic concentration to be achieved in the wall of the surgical cavity without appreciable side effects on sensitive structures of the body. This procedure, followed by intravenous chemotherapy may prevent local recurrence, on the assumption that glioblastoma recurrences originate in the operation site. Five groups (269 patients) subjected to different strategies of postoperative therapy were compared in terms of average survival time. The group given local chemotherapy following total or subtotal removal of the tumour, then intravenous chemotherapy after 8 days, followed by radiotherapy, demonstrated an average survival time of 75 weeks. In this group the number of living patients at the time of investigation was particularly high, namely 56. The longest survival time was 355 weeks, and this patient was symptomless. There were no side effects or complications of local cytostatic therapy with 50 mg Methotrexate.