Chemotherapy in recurrent noncystic low-grade astrocytomas of the cerebrum in children.

Six children with grade II astrocytomas were treated with combination chemotherapy consisting of 1,3 bis(2-chloroethyl) 1-nitrosourea (BCNU). Vincristine (VCR), intrathecal Methotrexate (i.t. MTX), and Dexamethasone. Of the children, 3 showed a partial remission, and 1 other showed clinical improvement. Our data suggest that chemotherapy is effective in low-grade astrocytomas, and there is now a need for larger trials in low-grade astrocytomas to document the role of chemotherapy accurately in these tumors. It is suggested that trials of chemotherapy as adjuvant to surgery and radiotherapy should be initiated.