Brain Tumors

Intensive Chemotherapy And Autologous Bone Marrow Reconstitution For Patients With Recurrent Or Progressive Malignant Brain Tumors:
A Pilot Study Of Three-Drug Therapy (Thiotepa, Etoposide and Carboplatin).

Objective:

The objective of this study is to determine the response rate, progression-free survival, overall survival and toxicity of intensive chemotherapy followed by autologous peripheral blood stem cell in patients with recurrent high-risk brain tumors.

Treatment:

Patients with eligible non-bulky residual or recurrent brain tumors will undergo autologous peripheral stem cell harvesting followed by treatment with high-dose thiotepa, etoposide and carboplatin, and peripheral stem cell transplantation.

Eligibility:

1. Patients with the following malignant brain tumors and who have not previously been exposed to either thiotepa or VP-16 at high doses are eligible:

   a. Primitive neuroectodermal tumors (PNET) of the brain or spinal cord.

   b. Ependymoma, anaplastic ependymoma, or ependymoblastoma of the brain or spinal cord.

   c. Germ cell tumors of the brain or spinal cord.

   d. Anaplastic astrocytoma or glioblastoma multiforme.

    

2. Patients must have minimal non-bulky residual disease defined radiologically. Patients with bulky lesions may undergo surgical debulking in order to become eligible for treatment.

    

3. Patients with PNET must have no evidence of marrow involvement with tumor.

    

4. Patients must have an anticipated life expectancy of at least 3 months.

    

5. Patients must not have received chemotherapy (except corticosteroids) within one month prior to study.

    

6. Patients must have normal renal and hepatic function.