OBJECTIVES: I. Assess the response to a stereotactically administered recombinant adenovirus vector carrying the herpes simplex virus thymidine kinase gene (H5.010RSVTK) followed by intravenous ganciclovir in patients with recurrent malignant glioma. II. Estimate the maximum tolerated dose of H5.010RSVTK in these patients. III. Describe the toxic effects of H5.010RSVTK. IV. Assess the efficiency of gene transfer and duration of transgene expression in these patients. V. Assess quantitative and qualitative glucose metabolic activity of tumoral sites by positron emission tomography. VI. Analyze the immunologic response to adenovirus transduction in these patients. VII. Determine the benefit and toxicity of multiple doses of H5.010RSVTK in patients with resectable tumors.