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Gamma knife surgery for atypical meningiomas
Beate C Huffmann1, Peter C Reinacher, Joachim M Gilsbach
1Department of Neurosurgery, University Hospital Aachen, Germany. Beate.Huffmann@post.rwth-aachen.de
Journal of Neurosurgery
|January 25, 2005
Summary
Gamma Knife Surgery (GKS) showed early tumor shrinkage for atypical meningiomas (AMs). However, high recurrence rates were observed at margins and distant locations, suggesting GKS may be an adjunct for specific AM cases.
Area of Science:
- Neurosurgery
- Radiation Oncology
Background:
- Complete resection is the standard treatment for atypical meningiomas (AMs).
- Tumor location can limit the feasibility of complete surgical resection.
- Gamma Knife Surgery (GKS) is a stereotactic radiosurgery technique.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy and safety of Gamma Knife Surgery (GKS) for treating atypical meningiomas (AMs).
Main Methods:
- GKS was performed on 21 atypical meningiomas in 15 patients.
- Patients had residual or recurrent tumors after prior microsurgery.
- Follow-up included clinical and neuroimaging assessments for a median of 35 months.
Main Results:
- Tumor shrinkage occurred in 10 lesions within 12 months post-GKS; 10 remained stable.
- High recurrence rates were observed: four distant and two margin recurrences between 18-36 months.
- One recurrence occurred within the GKS radiation field; no patients experienced persistent adverse effects.
Conclusions:
- Atypical meningiomas treated with GKS showed initial shrinkage but a high rate of recurrence at margins and distant sites.
- GKS may be a safe adjunctive treatment for small- to medium-sized atypical meningiomas.
- Further research is needed to optimize GKS use in AM management.