OBJECTIVES: I. Evaluate the efficacy of carmustine, cisplatin, and etoposide administered prior to and during radiotherapy in patients with newly diagnosed high grade glioblastoma multiforme. II. Assess the toxicities of this treatment regimen in this patient population. III. Assess fatigue, depression, and excessive daytime somnolence in terms of incidence, duration, and relation to age, tumor type, tumor site, cancer therapy, and symptoms in this patient population. IV. Evaluate the quality of life of these patients.