OBJECTIVES:
* Compare survival of patients undergoing surgical resection for recurrent high-grade malignant supratentorial astrocytoma treated with intraoperative high vs low light dose photodynamic therapy using porfimer sodium.
OUTLINE: This is a randomized, multicenter study. Patients are stratified according to participating center. Patients are randomized to 1 of 2 treatment arms.
All patients receive porfimer sodium IV. One day later, patients undergo craniotomy and tumor resection.
* Arm I: During surgery, patients receive low light dose photodynamic therapy.
* Arm II: During surgery, patients receive high light dose photodynamic therapy. After completion of study treatment, patients are followed at 1 day, 6 weeks, and 3 months and then every 3 months for up to 2 years.
PROJECTED ACCRUAL: Approximately 120 patients will be accrued for this study within 4-5 years.
