BCNU AND X-RAY THERAPY OF INTRA-CEREBRAL 9L RAT-TUMORS

Combination therapy of 1,3-bis(2-chloroethyl)-1-nitrosourea (BCNU) and X-rays was applied to the 9L rat brain tumor model. BCNU alone (13.3 mg/kg) and X-rays alone (2,000 rad/whole brain) were given on day 16 postimplant. The two therapies were combined in three schedules with BCNU given 6 hours before, 6 hours after, and immediately preceding X-ray treatment. While either modality alone significantly increased survival, the combined therapies produced increased life spans (ILS) of 235 to 430%. The combined therapies also resulted in cure rates as high as 60%. Some toxicity was encountered as evidenced by interstitial pulmonary fibrosis when cured" and treated non-tumor bearing animals were autopsied on day 122 or day 125. © 1979."