[Concentrated irradiation of malignant astrocytoma and glioblastoma].

Since 1965, 118 glioblastoma and 18 malignant astrocytomas of the adult have been treated by concentrated irradiation after a more or less complete surgical excision of the tumor. Three types of irradiation have been used; at present 3 600 rads whole brain irradiation are delivered in 2 series of 1 800 rads over 3 days 20 to 30 spaced a part. All patients receive ACTH and the tolerance has been excellent. The results of this rapid palliative therapy are quite comparable to those of more classical irradiation. Because of the very short survival of these patients, it would appear advantageous to treat them in as short a time interval as possible.