Tissue alterations induced by radio- and chemotherapy in brain with malignant gliomas.

Abstract

35 brains with malignant gliomas treated by surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy and processed by means of the "complete study" technique have been studied. The preliminary results are reported. Many types of changes have been observed. Areas of coagulative necrosis with vessel alterations and teleangectasias are present around the tumor in many cases. Different pathologic aspects are observed distant from the tumor. Edema both in the homo - and contralateral hemisphere is constantly present. Severe edema with demyelination, axon disappearance and loss of cells is frequently found associated with prolonged survival. Often it is accompanied by wide or small areas filled with macrophages. Spongio-necrosis in the white matter of contralateral temporal lobe has been observed in two cases and telangiectasias areas have been found in another one. The relation between changes and treatment is discussed.