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Stereotactic Radiosurgery for Gynecologic Cancer
Published on: April 17, 2012
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Stereotactic Radiosurgery for Pituitary Carcinoma
Gautam U Mehta1, Ian E McCutcheon2
1Department of Neurosurgery, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA.
Acta Neurochirurgica. Supplement
|June 30, 2021
Summary
Pituitary carcinoma (PC) is a rare cancer requiring multimodal treatment. Stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) offers a potential adjunctive therapy for managing aggressive PC growth and metastases.
Area of Science:
- Neuro-oncology
- Endocrinology
- Radiation Oncology
Background:
- Pituitary carcinoma (PC) is a rare, aggressive neoplasm comprising 0.2% of pituitary tumors.
- Defined by noncontiguous metastatic disease, PC management necessitates a multimodal strategy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the potential role of stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) in the multimodal management of pituitary carcinoma.
- To assess the utility of SRS for localized metastases, symptomatic lesions, and aggressive primary tumor control.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature and clinical approaches to pituitary carcinoma management.
- Discussion of SRS application using Gamma Knife or CyberKnife technologies.
- Consideration of SRS in conjunction with surgery, irradiation, and medical therapy.
Main Results:
- SRS is not curative for PC but can aid in controlling aggressive tumor growth and metastases.
- Application of SRS is primarily for localized metastases and symptomatic lesions.
- SRS may be effective for primary tumor control post-surgical debulking.
Conclusions:
- SRS is a potentially valuable component of a multimodal approach for pituitary carcinoma.
- Judicious, case-by-case application of SRS by clinicians is recommended.
- While not preventing progression, SRS can be a useful tool in managing this rare malignancy.
