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Gamma Knife Stereotactic Radiosurgery for Pediatric Meningiomas
Regan M Shanahan1,2,3, Chris Z Wei1,2,3,4, Tracy Miller1,2,3
1School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA.
Pediatric Neurosurgery
|April 10, 2026
Summary
Pediatric meningiomas can be aggressive. Gamma Knife stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) achieved tumor control in 6 of 9 young patients, suggesting it
Area of Science:
- Neurosurgery
- Pediatric Oncology
- Radiation Oncology
Background:
- Meningiomas in children often display more aggressive behavior than in adults.
- Stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) is a common treatment for meningiomas, used upfront or after other therapies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the long-term outcomes of Gamma Knife stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) for pediatric meningiomas.
- To assess the safety and efficacy of SRS in young patients with meningiomas.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective review of 2,030 meningioma patients treated with SRS between 1987 and 2022.
- Identification and analysis of 9 pediatric patients (<18 years) undergoing SRS, examining neurological outcomes, survival, tumor control, and adverse effects.
Main Results:
- Tumor control was achieved in 6 out of 9 pediatric patients after one or more SRS treatments.
- The median overall survival was 8.9 years, and median progression-free survival was 8.2 years.
- No patients experienced adverse radiation effects, malignant transformation, or secondary CNS malignancies.
Conclusions:
- Pediatric meningiomas can be aggressive, necessitating effective treatment strategies.
- SRS is a viable primary or adjuvant treatment for pediatric meningiomas, potentially requiring multiple sessions for control.
- Early intervention with SRS after surgery should be considered for pediatric meningiomas.
