The intraneoplastic chemotherapy in a rat brain tumour model utilizing methotrexate-polymethylmethacrylate-pellets.

In an experimental glioma model, using ethylnitrosourea induced and subsequently intracerebrally implanted tumours in BD-IX rats, the effectiveness of intratumoural application of methotrexate (MTX) by stereotactic implantation of polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) pellets containing MTX, has been studied. Tumour volume 10 days after pellet implantation as well as survival rates of treated, untreated and control animals have been the criteria of the effect of treatment. Tumour volume was significantly smaller in treated compared to untreated animals. The survival rate of untreated to treated animals increased 150 and 233% respectively when compared with the control animals. Thus a positive therapeutic effect of MTX-PMMA pellet implantation in the experimental glioma could be proven. Possible consequences for the treatment of human gliomas are shortly discussed.