Low dose rate teletherapy as a boost therapy for malignant gliomas

Fifteen patients with malignant gliomas treated with the conventionally fractionated irradiation (CF) followed by the low dose rate telecobalt therapy (LDRT) were compaired with 42 cases treated with the CF therapy alone. About 3 weeks after the CF of a total dose of 60 Gy an additional dose of 14 - 21 Gy was irradiated by the LDRT (1 Gy per hour, 7 Gy per day). The acute reaction by the LDRT was none, but in one case severe brain necrosis was observed. Local control rate was a little better in the LDRT group, but survival rates were not so good. The gain from the LDRT for malignant gliomas is considered to be little. (author)