The place of interstitial brachytherapy and radiosurgery for low-grade gliomas

Even though stereotactic brachytherapy has been used for treatment of complex located low-grade glioma for many years, its place within modern treatment concepts is still debated and only a few centers have gained experience with this complex treatment modality. The current article reviews selection criteria, treatment protocols, radiobiology, treatment effects, risk models and side effects of stereotactic brachytherapy. Potentially alternative techniques such as radiosurgery were also reviewed under consideration of radiobiological similarities and differences.