The most common secondary neoplasms which occur following cranial radiation 
therapy are sarcoma and meningioma. The occurrence of glioblastoma multiforme 
following radiation and chemotherapy in acute lymphocytic leukaemia (ALL) is 
rare. We report 3 cases of glioblastoma multiforme in children developing 11-72 
months following completion of chemotherapy/radiotherapy for ALL. The exact 
cause for the development of glioblastoma multiforme following therapy for ALL 
is not clear. A genetic predisposition may be essential for the occurrence of 
such a highly malignant primary brain tumour in leukaemia patients, irrespective 
of radiation and/or chemotherapy. The pathogenesis and surgical management are 
discussed, and the literature on the subject is reviewed.