The Neurooncology Working Group (NOA) of the German Cancer Society compared the efficacy of nimustine (ACNU) plus VM26 and ACNU plus cytarabine (Ara-C) in addition to standard radiotherapy in patients with newly diagnosed malignant glioma. The median survival time and 2-year survival rate were 17.3 months and 25% for ACNU plus VM26 and 15.7 months and 29% for ACNU plus Ara-C in glioblastoma, and 60 months and 88% for ACNU plus VM26 and 62.5 months and 72% for ACNU plus Ara-C in anaplastic glioma. Multivariate analysis showed no survival benefit for either group or for subpopulations defined by histology, age or KPS. Hematologic toxicity was more pronounced in the ACNU plus Ara-C group.