Intensified PCV-chemotherapy with optional stem cell support in recurrent malignant oligodendroglioma

Six patients with recurrent or progressive anaplastic oligodendroglial tumors after surgical treatment and irradiation were treated with six/seven cycles of intensified PCV: Vincristine (1 mg/m 2 ), CCNU (50 mg/m 2 ) d.1,15 and procarbazine (75 mg/m 2 ) d.2 to 29. If leukocytopenia (< 2.500/μl) or thrombocytopenia (< 75.000/μl) developed, 1 × 10 6 CD34 + autologous stem cells/ kg body weight were reinfused three days after completion of subsequent cycles. Complete response was seen in 2/6 and partial response in 4/6 patients. Median follow up from time of recurrence was 35 months, progression free survival was 18 to > 39 months and overall survival 23 to > 39 months. We conclude that intensified PCV with stem cell support is feasable in recurrent/progressive anaplastic oligodendroglial tumors and appears to be sufficiently well tolerated to allow further study.