Phase II treatment of central nervous system gliomas with high-dose etoposide and autologous bone marrow transplantation.

A total of 16 patients with progressive CNS gliomas who had previously received maximal radiation therapy and chemotherapy were treated on a phase II study using high-dose etoposide with autologous bone marrow transplantation to assure hematopoietic recovery. Three patients (19%) responded with both improved neurological status and decreased mass on computerized tomographic scan. Median survival for all treated patients was 4 months with the three responders living 9, 10, and 54+ months.