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Radiation therapy for benign central nervous system disease
M N Tsao1, W M Wara, D A Larson
1Department of Radiation Oncology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California 94143, USA.
Seminars in Radiation Oncology
|March 27, 1999
Summary
Radiation therapy is a key treatment for benign brain tumors and other central nervous system conditions, improving local control and symptom management. Advanced imaging and conformal planning minimize damage to healthy brain tissue for long-term patient benefit.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Radiation Oncology
- Neurosurgery
Background:
- Radiation therapy is frequently used for benign central nervous system (CNS) diseases.
- Benign brain tumors like meningioma and pituitary adenoma are common indications.
- Other conditions such as trigeminal neuralgia, epilepsy, and movement disorders can also be treated.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the role of radiation therapy in treating various benign CNS diseases.
- To highlight the importance of conformal, 3D-planned radiation techniques.
- To emphasize the need to minimize damage to surrounding healthy brain tissue.
Main Methods:
- Review of radiation therapy applications in benign CNS conditions.
- Discussion of treatment planning using Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Computed Tomography (CT).
- Emphasis on highly conformal, three-dimensional (3D) planning.
Main Results:
- Radiation therapy improves local control for benign brain tumors.
- Radiosurgery can ameliorate or eliminate symptoms for conditions like trigeminal neuralgia and epilepsy.
- Conformal planning is crucial due to the long-term survival of patients with benign CNS disease.
Conclusions:
- Radiation therapy is a vital treatment modality for a range of benign CNS disorders.
- Minimizing radiation dose to normal brain tissue is paramount.
- Advanced imaging and planning techniques are essential for effective and safe treatment.