Treatment of metastatic brain tumors with the combination of 1-methyl-1-nitrosourea (MNU) and cyclophosphamide.

The combination of MNU and cyclophosphamide was applied in 29 consecutive previously untreated patients with metastatic brain tumors. An objective regression of the metastatic process in the brain, with seven complete and seven partial remission, was observed in 14 out of 29 patients (48%). In three patients the disease was stable, and in 12 it progressed in spite of treatment. The objective parameters used in monitoring the effect of therapy included brain scintiscan, computerized brain tomography and neurological clinical status. Median remission duration was 11.2 months in complete responders, and 5.6 months in partial responders. Median survival was also the longest in complete responders (15.7 months). The median survival of non-responding patients was only 3.1 months.