OBJECTIVES: I. Assess the toxic effects of concurrent permanent iodine I 125 interstitial seed implants and polifeprosan 20 with carmustine implant (Gliadel wafers) in patients with recurrent or refractory malignant glioma. II. Assess preliminary efficacy of this regimen in terms of progression free survival and overall survival of these patients. III. Assess impact of this regimen on the quality of life and performance status of these patients. IV. Assess site of tumor progression following this regimen in these patients. V. Assess the relationship between progression free survival and the MIB-1 proliferative index of the resected malignant glioma.