Related Experiment Video
Updated: Nov 16, 2025
Stereotactic Radiosurgery for Gynecologic Cancer
Published on: April 17, 2012
Gamma Knife Stereotactic Radiosurgery for the treatment of chordomas and chondrosarcomas
Julian Cahill1, Ramez Ibrahim2, Geza Mezey2
1The National Centre for Stereotactic Radiosurgery, Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Royal Hallamshire Hospital, Glossop Road, Sheffield, S10 2JF, UK. julian.cahill@nhs.net.
Introduction:
Primary chordomas and chondrosarcomas of the skull base are difficult tumours to treat successfully. Despite advances in surgical techniques, a gross total resection is often impossible to achieve. In addition, some patients may be deemed unsuitable or not wish to undergo extensive surgery for these conditions. This study examines the role of Gamma Knife Stereotactic Radiosurgery (GKRS) in the treatment of these difficult cases.
Methods:
All patients harbouring either a chordoma or chondrosarcoma treated at the National Centre for Stereotactic Radiosurgery, Royal Hallamshire Hospital, Sheffield, UK, between 1985 and 2018, were reviewed with regard to their clinical presentations, pre- and post-treatment imaging, GKRS prescriptions and outcomes.
Results:
In total, 24 patients with a mean tumour volume of 13 cm3 in the chordoma group (n=15) and 12 cm3 in the chondrosarcoma group (n=9) underwent GKRS. The 5- and 10-year overall survival rates for the chordoma group were 67% and 53% respectively, while for the chondrosarcoma group, they were 78% at both time points. The tumour control rates at 5 and 10 years in the chordoma group were 67% and 49% and for the chondrosarcoma group 78% at both time points. Patients with tumour volumes of less than 7 cm3 before GKRS treatment demonstrated a statistically significant longer overall survival rate (p=0.03).
Conclusions:
GKRS offers a comparable option to proton beam therapy for the treatment of these tumours. Early intervention for tumour volumes of less than 7 cm3 gives the best long-term survival rates.
Insights
Gamma Knife Stereotactic Radiosurgery (GKRS) is an effective treatment for skull base chordomas and chondrosarcomas. Early intervention for smaller tumors (<7 cm³) significantly improves long-term survival rates in patients.
Area of Science:
- Neurosurgery
- Radiation Oncology
- Oncology
Background:
- Skull base chordomas and chondrosarcomas present significant treatment challenges.
- Gross total resection is often unachievable, and some patients are unsuitable for extensive surgery.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of Gamma Knife Stereotactic Radiosurgery (GKRS) for treating skull base chordomas and chondrosarcomas.
- To identify factors influencing treatment outcomes.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 24 patients (15 chordoma, 9 chondrosarcoma) treated with GKRS between 1985 and 2018.
- Analysis of clinical data, imaging, GKRS parameters, and patient outcomes.
Main Results:
- Overall survival rates at 5 and 10 years were 67% and 53% for chordomas, and 78% for chondrosarcomas.
- Tumor control rates at 5 and 10 years were 67% and 49% for chordomas, and 78% for chondrosarcomas.
- Tumor volumes <7 cm³ before GKRS correlated with significantly longer overall survival (p=0.03).
Conclusions:
- GKRS is a viable treatment option for skull base chordomas and chondrosarcomas, comparable to proton beam therapy.
- Early GKRS treatment of smaller tumors (<7 cm³) is associated with superior long-term survival.
