Trial Information

Phase II Trial of Pre-Irradiation Chemotherapy With BCNU, Cisplatin and Oral Etoposide Combined With Radiation Therapy in the Treatment of Grade 3 Astrocytoma (Anaplastic Astrocytoma)

OBJECTIVES: I. Determine the efficacy of carmustine, cisplatin, and etoposide given prior to
and during radiotherapy in patients with anaplastic astrocytoma. II. Assess the toxic
effects associated with this regimen in these patients. III. Evaluate this regimen in terms
of fatigue, depression, excessive daytime somnolence, and quality of life in these patients.

OUTLINE: Patients receive carmustine IV over 1 hour on days 1-3, oral etoposide on days 1-21
and 29-49, and cisplatin IV over 1-2 hours on days 1-3 and 29-31. Treatment repeats every 8
weeks for 3 courses. Patients receive radiotherapy concurrently with the third course of
chemotherapy. Quality of life is assessed every 4 months for 1 year, every 6 months for 4
years, and then annually for 5 years. Patients are followed every 3 months for 5 years and
then annually thereafter.

PROJECTED ACCRUAL: A total of 28 patients will be accrued for this study within 20 months.