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Stereotactic Radiosurgery for Gynecologic Cancer
Published on: April 17, 2012
Gamma Knife surgery for patients with brainstem metastases
Takuya Kawabe1, Masaaki Yamamoto, Yasunori Sato
1Katsuta Hospital Mito GammaHouse, Hitachi-naka, Ibaraki, Japan. taku-62@koto.kpu-m.ac.jp
Journal of Neurosurgery
|December 5, 2012
Summary
Gamma Knife surgery (GKS) offers effective treatment for brainstem metastases, improving patient survival without neurological decline. This study highlights GKS as a viable option for radical cure in these challenging cases.
Area of Science:
- Neurosurgery
- Radiation Oncology
- Oncology
Background:
- Brainstem metastases are generally considered unresectable.
- Stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) is the primary curative treatment option.
- Evaluating survival outcomes post-SRS is crucial for patient management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the efficacy of Gamma Knife surgery (GKS) for brainstem metastases.
- To determine patient survival duration without neurological deterioration after GKS.
- To identify factors influencing survival and tumor control.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 200 patients with brainstem metastases treated with GKS.
- Data collected from July 1998 to July 2011.
- Analysis included patient demographics, tumor characteristics, treatment parameters, and survival outcomes.
Main Results:
- Median survival time was 6.0 months.
- Neurological and qualitative survival rates were 90.8% and 89.2% at 24 months, respectively.
- Tumor control rate was 81.8% at 24 months; factors like KPS score and tumor volume impacted outcomes.
Conclusions:
- GKS is an effective treatment for brainstem metastases.
- GKS significantly contributes to maintaining good neurological condition.
- Patient outcomes are influenced by factors such as KPS score and tumor volume.

