DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS: Histologically proven glioblastoma multiforme, anaplastic astrocytoma, or anaplastic mixed glioma Progressive or recurrent disease following radiotherapy (54-64 Gy) and/or chemotherapy Tumor recurrence must have anatomic characteristics that allow safe and reasonable surgical intervention Measurable disease by serial MR or CT imaging No Li-Fraumeni syndrome or known germline defect in p53 gene No radiographically or surgically proven gliomatosis cerebri No tumors requiring immediate excision due to impending neurologic decline