Carmustine Plus O(6)-Benzylguanine in Treating Patients With Recurrent or Progressive Gliomas of the Brain

You may be eligible if

• DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS: Histologically proven recurrent, persistent, or progressive glioblastoma multiforme or anaplastic astrocytoma diagnosed by biopsy/resection Evaluable residual disease by MRI or CT scan
• PATIENT CHARACTERISTICS: Age: 18 and over Performance status: Karnofsky 60-100% Life expectancy: Not specified Hematopoietic: Absolute granulocyte count at least 1,500/mm3 Platelet count at least 100,000/mm3 Hepatic: SGOT no greater than 2.5 times upper limit of normal Bilirubin within normal limits Renal: Creatinine no greater than 1.5 mg/dL OR Creatinine clearance greater than 60 mL/min BUN no greater than 25 mg/dL Pulmonary: DLCO greater than 80% predicted Other: Not pregnant or nursing Fertile patients must use effective contraceptive method during and for 2 months after study
• PRIOR CONCURRENT THERAPY: Biologic therapy: Not specified Chemotherapy: At least 4 weeks since prior chemotherapy (6 weeks since prior nitrosourea, procarbazine, or mitomycin) and recovered Endocrine therapy: Concurrent corticosteroid therapy must be stable for at least 1 week prior to study, if clinically possible Radiotherapy: At least 4 weeks since prior radiotherapy and recovered Surgery: Not specified