Potential complications following radiotherapy for meningiomas

The rationale for radiotherapy of meningiomas is based on retrospective studies utilizing life-table statistics and historical controls. Most of these report minimal morbidity and high efficacy, while one study of radiation therapy for benign diseases reported a high complication rate during long-term follow-up. These reports were at variance with our personal experience in three patients. This study was therefore undertaken to corroborate the previous reports by retrospectively investigating possible adverse effects and efficacy.

The charts at Karolinska hospital were searched to identify all patients with meningiomas who were treated with conventional fractionated radiotherapy between 1975 and 1995. Surgical radicality was assessed according to Simpson. The patients were followed until recurrence, death, or a minimum of 5 years.

Forty-five out of 1,820 patients were treated with fractionated radiotherapy. Fifty-six percent of these patients experienced serious complications from fractionated radiation treatment. The complications encompassed neuropsychological and neurologic motor and sensory deficits and were severe enough to cause hospitalization or a major change in lifestyle. Seventy-five percent of all subtotally resected and radiated meningiomas recurred during follow-up.

Our historical data from a heterogenous group of consecutive patients undergoing fractionated radiation therapy in meningioma management showed an unexpectedly high rate of complications and failed to corroborate previous historical reports of low morbidity and tumor control. Dose planning and radiation treatment has improved. Our data indicate a need for prospective investigations.