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Radiotherapy for optic nerve sheath meningioma: a case for earlier intervention?
G Adams1, D E Roos, J L Crompton
1Department of Radiation Oncology, Royal Adelaide Hospital, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia. adams_gerard@hotmail.com
Clinical Oncology (Royal College of Radiologists (Great Britain))
|March 16, 2013
Summary
Radiotherapy effectively controls optic nerve sheath meningiomas (ONSM), maintaining or improving vision in most patients. Shorter delay from symptom onset to treatment may lead to better visual outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Neuro-oncology
- Ophthalmology
- Radiation Oncology
Background:
- Optic nerve sheath meningiomas (ONSM) are rare tumors affecting the optic nerve.
- Effective management strategies are crucial for preserving vision and preventing tumor progression.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of radiotherapy in controlling ONSM growth.
- To assess visual outcomes and toxicity following radiotherapy for ONSM.
- To identify predictors of treatment success.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 17 patients with 18 ONSM treated with fractionated radiotherapy.
- Ophthalmological and radiological assessments before and after treatment.
- Comparison of clinical, dosimetric, and radiological data to identify outcome predictors.
Main Results:
- 100% tumor control rate observed in evaluable cases.
- Vision was maintained or improved in 89% of patients overall.
- For patients with useful pre-treatment vision, visual acuity was maintained or improved in 62%.
Conclusions:
- Radiotherapy is highly effective in arresting ONSM growth.
- A shorter time from symptom onset to radiotherapy initiation may correlate with better visual outcomes.
- ONSM radiotherapy demonstrates manageable toxicity profiles.