Objective : To evaluate the role of stereotactic LINAC radiosurgery in treatment of meningiomas, the authors retrospectively analyzed the result of radiosurgery in our institute. Method: During last ten years, twenty patients underwent stereotactic LI...
Objective : To evaluate the role of stereotactic LINAC radiosurgery in treatment of meningiomas, the authors retrospectively analyzed the result of radiosurgery in our institute. Method: During last ten years, twenty patients underwent stereotactic LINAC radiosurgery(LINAC SRS) for meningiomas. The mean age of the patients was 51 years(22-78 years). The most common tumor location for radiosurgery was parasagittal, sphenoid wing and tentorial area. With regards to indications of radiosurgery for meningiomas, LINAC radiosurgery was done for primary treatment in six patients, for postoperative residual tumors in eleven patients, for postoperative regrowth in three patients. Mean tumor volume was $5.14cm^3$($0.28-15.1cm^3$), mean field diameter was 2.01cm(1.2-3cm). The mean marginal dose was 20.55Gy(13-30Gy). The follow-up evaluation was done annually with radiologic findings and clinical status. The mean follow-up period was 46.8(24-120) months. Result : In the radiologic response, the tumor volume was reduced in five(25%) of twenty patients, fourteen showed arrested growth(70%), but one patient showed increased growth(5%). In the clinical response, nine patients improved clinically(45%), ten patients was stable(50%) and one patient worsened during follow-up period. With regards to correlation with radiologic and clinical response, in nineteen patients who showed radiologic response to radiosurgery(decreased and arrested growth after radiosurgery), nine patients(47.4%) improved and ten patients (52.6%) showed no change, one patient(5%) had symptomatic radiation necrosis at four years after SRS, which needed craniotomy. Conclusion : The overall control rate of meningiomas with LINAC radiosurgery was 95% in radiologic follow up and 95% clinically. The radiation complication rate was 5%. These results indicate that LINAC radiosurgery can be considered as safe and effective method for meningiomas.