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Stereotactic radiosurgery for trigeminal schwannomas.
C F Huang1, D Kondziolka, J C Flickinger
1Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pennsylvania, USA.
Neurosurgery
|July 22, 1999
Summary
Gamma knife radiosurgery effectively controls trigeminal schwannoma growth, offering a minimally invasive option. This treatment demonstrated a 100% tumor control rate without new deficits and often improved symptoms.
Area of Science:
- Neurosurgery
- Radiation Oncology
- Oncology
Background:
- Trigeminal schwannomas are rare tumors typically managed with surgical resection.
- The efficacy of radiosurgery for these basal tumors requires further definition.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the role and outcomes of gamma knife stereotactic radiosurgery for trigeminal schwannomas.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 16 patients with trigeminal schwannomas treated with gamma knife radiosurgery.
- Analysis of clinical presentation, tumor characteristics, treatment details, and follow-up outcomes.
Main Results:
- 100% tumor control rate observed over a mean follow-up of 44 months (regression or no growth).
- Five patients experienced symptom improvement; 11 remained stable.
- No new cranial nerve deficits were reported post-treatment.
Conclusions:
- Gamma knife radiosurgery is a viable primary or adjuvant treatment for trigeminal schwannomas.
- It offers a minimally invasive alternative to microsurgery, effectively controlling tumor growth.
- The procedure is associated with a low risk of new deficits and potential symptom improvement.