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Intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) for meningioma
Nathan W Uy1, Shiao Y Woo, Bin S Teh
1Department of Radiology/Section of Radiation Oncology, The Methodist Hospital and Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA.
Summary
Intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) shows promise for treating intracranial meningiomas, offering high rates of local control and survival. While generally safe, potential serious side effects warrant further investigation in larger studies.
Area of Science:
- Neurosurgery
- Radiation Oncology
- Oncology
Background:
- Intracranial meningiomas are tumors arising from the meninges.
- Treatment options include surgery, radiation therapy, and observation.
- Intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) is an advanced radiation technique.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the safety and effectiveness of IMRT for intracranial meningiomas.
- To assess local control, progression-free survival, and overall survival rates.
- To analyze the toxicity profile of IMRT in this patient population.
Main Methods:
- Forty patients with intracranial meningiomas were treated with IMRT.
- Patients received either definitive IMRT or adjuvant IMRT post-surgery.
- Tumor response and toxicity were assessed using established criteria; survival outcomes were calculated using Kaplan-Meier analysis.
Main Results:
- Five-year local control, progression-free survival, and overall survival rates were 93%, 88%, and 89%, respectively.
- The most common acute toxicity was mild headache; severe acute and late toxicities were infrequent.
- No toxicity was observed with specific doses to the optic nerve/chiasm, but one possible treatment-related death occurred.
Conclusions:
- IMRT is a safe and effective treatment for intracranial meningiomas, both as primary and adjuvant therapy.
- Malignant degeneration may predict poorer outcomes.
- Further research with larger cohorts and longer follow-up is necessary to fully define IMRT's efficacy and late toxicity.