Carboplatin combined with Carmustine and Etoposide in the treatment of glioblastoma (GBM) patients

Tumors of the CNS and specially the most frequently occurring glioblastoma mean a grim prognosis to patients with that presently incurable disease. Many authors [1–3] have expressed doubts about the advisability of chemotherapy in malignant glioblastomas. Cisplatinum coumpound has been evaluated in recurrent glial tumors and in the treatment of a variety of pediatric brain tumors [4] and some studies suggest efficacy and acceptable tolerance [2, 5]. Because Carboplatin-Etoposide combinations have proved synergistic against animal tumor models [6] we decided to try a combination of these drugs against primary glioblastoma. We were also seeking to determine the utility of continuing chemotherapy (PVC protocol) at time to tumor relapse at least for patients with good quality of life.