MRI Scans in Evaluating the Effects of Radiation Therapy and Chemotherapy in Patients With Newly Diagnosed Glioblastoma Multiforme or Anaplastic Glioma

DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS: * Newly diagnosed anaplastic glioma (WHO grade III) or glioblastoma multiforme (WHO grade IV) * Measurable disease * Residual tumor size after surgery ≥ 1 cm in one dimension * Planning to undergo standard chemoradiotherapy with temozolomide PATIENT CHARACTERISTICS: * Glomerular filtration rate ≥ 60 mL/min * Mini Mental Status Exam score \> 15 * Sufficiently competent to give informed consent * Not pregnant or nursing * Negative pregnancy test * Fertile patients must use effective barrier contraception during and for 2 months after completion of study treatment * No contraindication to MRI or to use of the contrast agent gadolinium, including any of the following: * Claustrophobia * Metallic objects or implanted medical devices (e.g., cardiac pacemaker, aneurysm clips, surgical clips, prostheses, artificial hearts, valves with steel parts, metal fragments, shrapnel, tattoos near the eye, or steel implants) * Sickle cell disease * Renal failure * High risk for kidney disease (e.g., age \> 60 years, diabetes, or history of systemic lupus erythematosus or multiple myeloma) * No known history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or emphysema * No other co-existing condition that, in the judgement of the investigator, may increase risk to the patient PRIOR CONCURRENT THERAPY: * See Disease Characteristics * Non-VEGF investigational agent allowed * No concurrent chemotherapy (other than temozolomide) * No concurrent electron, proton, …