[Hormone therapy in the treatment of primary brain tumors of the adult].

After considering the principle effects of corticosteroids on human fluids and tissues their action in the treatment of cerebral tumors is reviewed. Corticosteroids have a definite effect on cerebral and intra-tumoral edema and thus help to restore local circulation as well as C.S.F. circulation. Through these effects they diminish intracranial hypertension and reduce clinical symptoms to those of the tumor itself. They increase the time necessary for neuro-radiologic, isotopic and other investigations and make them safer, they diminish the surgical and and post-operative risks as well as those of radiotherapy. Their action on the growth of cerebral tumors remains incertain and increased survival in patients with inoperable or recurrent malignant gliomas may be due to their anti-edema effect more than to an antitumor action which remains to be determined.