Phase II Study of Hydroxyurea for Unresectable Meningioma

Histologically documented primary, recurrent or residual benign meningioma which is unresectable, biopsy slides must be available for pathology review; patient must have measurable disease by CT or MRI scan; patient must have either progressive meningioma or progressive neurologic deficit; patients with malignant meningioma or meningiomatosis are not eligible; patient should have already received radiotherapy unless radiotherapy has been refused. If prior RT, treatment must have been completed at least 6 months prior to study entry, with documented progressive disease since completion of RT. Pt. must be >= 18 years, SWOG PS 0-2, no prior cytotoxic chemo. for meningioma; prior RU-486 is allowed; prior glucocorticoids and hormone replacement therapy are allowed.