Antineoplaston Therapy in Treating Patients With Brain Tumors

DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS: Histologically confirmed brain tumor (except brain stem locations) that is unlikely to respond to existing therapy and for which no curative therapy exists Evidence of persistent or recurrent brain tumor by MRI scan performed within two weeks prior to study entry Tumor must be at least 5 mm Ineligible for other Burzynski Research Institute, Inc. brain tumor protocols PATIENT CHARACTERISTICS: Age: 18 and over Performance status: Karnofsky 60-100% Life expectancy: At least 2 months Hematopoietic: Hemoglobin at least 9 g/dL WBC at least 2,000/mm^3 Platelet count at least 50,000/mm^3 Hepatic: Bilirubin no greater than 2.5 mg/dL SGOT/SGPT no greater than 5 times upper limit of normal No hepatic failure Renal: Creatinine no greater than 2.5 mg/dL No history of renal conditions that contraindicate high dosages of sodium Cardiovascular: No severe heart disease No uncontrolled hypertension No history of congestive heart failure No history of other cardiovascular conditions that contraindicate high dosages of sodium Pulmonary: No severe lung disease Other: Not pregnant or nursing Fertile patients must use effective contraception during and for 4 weeks after study participation No serious active infections or fever No other serious concurrent disease PRIOR CONCURRENT THERAPY: Biologic therapy: At least 4 weeks since prior immunotherapy No concurrent immunomodulating agents Chemotherapy: At least 4 weeks since prior chemotherapy (6 weeks for nitrosoureas) No concurrent antineoplastic agents Endocrine therapy: Concurrent corticosteroids for cerebral edema allowed (must be on a stable dose for at least 1 week prior to study entry) Radiotherapy: At least 8 weeks since prior radiotherapy Surgery: Must recover from prior surgery Other: Prior cytodifferentiating agent allowed No prior antineoplaston therapy