Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 12, 2026
10:35
Stereotactic Radiosurgery for Gynecologic Cancer
Published on: April 17, 2012
Gamma knife stereotactic radiosurgery for acromegaly
Einar Osland Vik-Mo1, Marianne Oksnes, Paal-Henning Pedersen
1Department of Neurosurgery, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway. e.o.vik-mo@medisin.uio.no
European Journal of Endocrinology
|September 4, 2007
Summary
Gamma Knife Radiosurgery (GKR) effectively halts tumor growth in acromegaly patients. This treatment leads to normalized IGF-I levels in a majority of patients within 10 years, with minimal adverse effects.
Area of Science:
- Neurosurgery
- Endocrinology
- Oncology
Background:
- Gamma Knife Radiosurgery (GKR) serves as an adjuvant therapy for acromegaly when initial surgery is insufficient to control GH hypersecretion.
- Acromegaly is a condition characterized by excessive growth hormone production, often due to pituitary tumors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of GKR in controlling tumor growth and hormone hypersecretion in acromegaly patients.
- To identify and characterize the adverse effects associated with GKR treatment for acromegaly.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional follow-up study was conducted at the Norwegian National Center for gamma knife treatment.
- Retrospective data collection pre- and post-GKR, followed by a detailed survey including radiological, endocrinological, ophthalmological, and neurosurgical evaluations.
- Fifty-three patients with acromegaly treated with GKR were assessed, with a mean follow-up of 5.5 years and no loss to follow-up.
Main Results:
- GKR successfully halted tumor growth in all evaluated patients.
- Normal IGF-I levels were achieved in 45%, 58%, and 86% of patients at 3, 5, and 10 years post-GKR, respectively.
- Two patients experienced minor visual field defects, and eight required hormone substitution therapy; GKR demonstrated a favorable safety profile.
Conclusions:
- Gamma Knife Radiosurgery is a safe and effective adjuvant treatment for managing residual acromegaly.
- GKR contributes to normalizing hormone levels and halting tumor progression with a low incidence of significant side effects.
