[Results of supratentorial low-grade astrocytoma--effects of combined radiochemotherapy].

The retrospective analysis of 53 cases with supratentorial low-grade (grade 1 or 2 due to WHO grading) astrocytomas included the years 1965-84. The 5-year and 10-year survival rates were 61.9% and 52.1%, respectively. The recurrence of tumors occurred in 15 cases (28.3%), almost within 3 years after the initial treatment, and early recurrent cases indicated poor results. Among them, 6 cases were noticed increasing malignancy of histological findings. According to our investigations, the factors which influence to the survival rate were age of patients, duration of symptoms before treatment, presence of neurological deficits and degree of surgical removal of tumor. The patients with good prognosis were under 20-year old, over 6 months of duration, with no neurological signs and with total or subtotal removal. But, 5-year survival rate was not so improved by postoperative radiation therapy. Analysis on the effects of chemotherapy for low-grade astrocytoma was little reported. We treated 26 patients with RAFP therapy (Radiation + ACNU + FT-207 + PSK). Only 2 cases out of 26 showed the recurrence till now. The rate of reduction of their tumors was 46.2% by CT scan. So, it was considered that RAFP therapy was effective for supratentorial low-grade astrocytoma.