Outcomes and complications of gamma knife radiosurgery for skull base meningiomas

Objective To review the outcomes and complications of meningiomas treated with gamma knife radiosurgery (GKRS) as a primary treatment as well as an adjunct therapy. Materials and Methods We performed a retrospective review (2000-2013) of 136 patients with meningiomas who received GKRS. Of 136 patients, 68 patients had recurrent or residual tumors after microsurgical resection, and the other 68 patients received GKRS alone. The study population was evaluated clinically and radiographically after GKRS treatment. Results GKRS in meningiomas showed significant variations in tumor growth control (decreased in 69 patients [50.7%], arrested growth in 47 patients [34.6%], and increased tumor size in 20 patients [14.7%]). Progression-free survival rates after GKRS at 3, 5, and 10 years were 98%, 95% and 85%, respectively. Overall improvement of signs and symptoms after GKRS was 30% (71% versus 41%) compared with pretreated sign and symptoms (p = 0.0001). The Karnofsky performance scale was significantly improved after GKRS compared with the pretreated status (92 versus 80). Twenty patients (14.7%) required resection after initial GKRS. Conclusion These study findings revealed that GKRS offers a high rate of tumor control, preservation of multiple nerve functions, and a good quality of life in both new and recurrent patients with meningiomas.