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Gamma knife surgery for low-grade gliomas
Peter A Heppner1, Jason P Sheehan, Ladislau E Steiner
1The Lars Leksell Gamma Knife Center, Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA.
Neurosurgery
|December 7, 2005
Summary
Gamma knife surgery offers a safe treatment option for low-grade gliomas, particularly for residual or recurrent tumors. This study evaluated its long-term efficacy in managing these brain lesions.
Area of Science:
- Neurosurgery
- Radiation Oncology
- Oncology
Background:
- Limited data exists on the long-term effectiveness of Gamma knife surgery for low-grade gliomas.
- Gamma knife surgery is a stereotactic radiosurgery technique used for treating brain tumors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the outcomes of patients with low-grade gliomas treated with Gamma knife surgery.
- To clarify the role of Gamma knife surgery in managing low-grade gliomas.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 49 patients treated between 1989 and 2003.
- Median follow-up of 63 months.
- Indications included tumors in eloquent brain, post-surgical residuals, or late progression.
Main Results:
- Median progression-free survival (PFS) was 44 months (clinical) and 37 months (radiological).
- Five-year radiological PFS was 37%; clinical PFS was 41%.
- Mortality occurred in 14% of patients; 29% achieved complete radiological remission. Complications were seen in 8% of patients.
Conclusions:
- Gamma knife radiosurgery is a safe treatment for low-grade gliomas.
- It can be considered for patients with residual or recurrent low-grade gliomas.