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Gamma knife surgery for pineal region tumors: an alternative strategy for negative pathology
Peng Wang1, Qing Mao1, Wei Wang1
1Department of Neurosurgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China, Department of Neurosurgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China;
Objective:
Pineal region tumors (PRTs) are uncommon, and treatments vary among neoplasm types. The authors report their experience with gamma knife surgery (GKS) as an initial treatment in a series of PRT patients with unclear pathological diagnoses.
Method:
Seventeen PRT patients with negative pathology who underwent GKS were retrospectively studied. Nine patients had further whole-brain and spinal cord radiotherapy and chemotherapy 6-9 months after GKS.
Results:
Sixteen of 17 cases were followed up over a mean of 33.3 months. The total response rate was 75%, and the control rate was 81.3%. No obvious neurological deficits or complications were attributable to GKS.
Conclusion:
The findings indicate that GKS may be an alternative strategy in selected PRT patients who have negative pathological diagnoses, and that good outcomes and quality of life can be obtained with few complications.
Insights
Gamma Knife Surgery (GKS) offers a safe and effective initial treatment for pineal region tumors (PRTs) with unclear pathology. This approach achieved high response and control rates with minimal complications, improving patient quality of life.
Area of Science:
- Neurosurgery
- Radiation Oncology
- Oncology
Background:
- Pineal region tumors (PRTs) are rare neoplasms with diverse treatment strategies.
- Accurate pathological diagnosis can be challenging in some PRT cases.
- Gamma Knife Surgery (GKS) is a stereotactic radiosurgery technique.
Observation:
- A retrospective study evaluated 17 PRT patients with negative pathology treated with GKS.
- Nine patients received additional whole-brain radiotherapy and chemotherapy post-GKS.
- Follow-up averaged 33.3 months for 16 of the 17 patients.
Findings:
- GKS demonstrated a 75% overall response rate and an 81.3% disease control rate.
- No significant neurological deficits or GKS-related complications were reported.
- The treatment contributed to good patient outcomes and quality of life.
Implications:
- GKS represents a viable alternative initial treatment for select PRT patients lacking clear pathological diagnosis.
- This minimally invasive approach may preserve neurological function and enhance quality of life.
- Further research could explore optimal patient selection and combination therapies for PRTs treated with GKS.
