[Treatment for central neurocytoma: a meta-analysis based on the data of 358 patients]

Central neurocytomas are described as uncommon benign CNS lesions. Uncertainty exists about the most appropriate treatment regimen. This retrospective analysis compares four therapies for local control and overall survival: complete resection alone (KR), complete resection plus radiotherapy (KR-RT), incomplete resection alone (IR), and incomplete resection plus radiotherapy (ITR-RT).

The cases published in the literature since 1982 were reviewed for age, gender, extent of resection, atypical neurocytoma, radiotherapy, local control, and overall survival (minimum follow-up 12 months). From direct contact with the authors additional data were obtained providing more detailed information about the patients and a longer follow-up. Statistical analysis was performed with the Kaplan-Meier analysis and the log-rank test.

Complete data were obtained from 358 patients (KR 118, KR-RT 35, IR 91, IR-RT 114). Local control was significantly better after KR, KR-RT and IR-RT than after IR (Figure 1). No significant difference was found between KR, KR-RT and IR-RT. Median time to progression was 36 (KR), 39 (KR-RT), 21 (IR) and 32 (IR-RT) months. The comparison of the four groups for overall survival demonstrated that KR provided a significantly better overall survival than IR (Figure 2). Overall survival rates were 99.2% and 86.1%, respectively.

Complete resection is much more effective for the treatment of central neurocytoma than incomplete resection. After complete resection the additional benefit of postoperative radiotherapy remains unclear. After incomplete resection postoperative radiotherapy significantly improved local control, but not overall survival.