The co-operative multidisciplinary medulloblastomo therapy study MED 84 by the International Society for Paediatric Oncology SIOP and by the Society for Paediatric Oncology GPO

In 1984, both societies started a joint study dealing with the following issues to be verified by prospective randomization: a) Will treatment results be improved by a so-called 'Sandwich'-chemotherapy intercalated between operation and postoperative irradiation, using Vincristin, Procarbazin, Methotrexate, and Leuvorin 'Rescue'? b) Is it possible to lower the radiation dose on the cerebrum and the spinal canal by 10 Gy in patients with a 'standard' risk of recidivation without deteriorating long-term prognoses thereby? Such a dose reduction, will it allow to concurrently reduce both the rate and intensity of therapy-dependent and tumour-independent secondary condition? To date (20th March 1987), 227 patients from 63 therapeutic centres and 12 countries were entered into the study. 49 additional patients are enrolled as 'cases for observation'. Sofar, there is no statistical proof of a difference existing between the groups 'with' or 'without' 'Sandwich'-chemotherapy and the 'standard' risk patients receiving 'standard' or 'reduced' radiotherapy. (orig./MG)