Radiotoxicity after conformal radiation therapy for benign intracranial tumors

Acoustic schwannomas, skull base meningiomas, and pituitary adenomas are benign intracranial tumors frequently managed with radiotherapy. Control rates after treatment for each of these tumors are generally high, and toxicity from treatment is relatively low. Side effect profiles depend on the tumor location, the volume treated, the dose delivered, and the presence of nearby critical structures. In addition, patient-specific factors, such as hypertension and diabetes, may increase a patient's risk for complications. This article reviews radiotoxicity after conformal radiation therapy for acoustic schwannomas, skull base meningiomas, and pituitary adenomas.