Abstract
The mechanisms of beneficial action of steroids on peritumoral brain edema (BE) remain controversial. Steroids, although effective in reducing peritumoral BE when administered systemically, are limited by many systemic complications. To determine if topical dexamethasone (Dx) by osmotic pump to brain tumor beds would not only control peritumoral BE, but also lead to suppression of tumor growth, we studied experimental brain tumors produced in 102 rabbits by implanted VX2 carcinoma cells, Animals were separated into three groups : (1) untreated group, (2) systemic Dx treated group, (3) topical Dx treated group. Systemic or topical Dx did not control tumor growth and peritumoral brain edema, however both groups resulted in a significant increase in survival relation to the untreated group.
