Cerebellar hemangioblastomas

Between 1950 and 1976, 24 patients with cerebellar hemangioblastomas received postoperative radiation therapy. In retrospect, the low-dose radiotherapy that was practiced in the 1950s and early 1960s has been associated with inferior survival rates. Since 1963 and with increased awareness of the effects of radiotherapy, patients receiving high-dose irradiation postoperatively have generally survived longer. Postoperative radiotherapy is used whenever the neoplasm has not been totally excised. This more likely to occur with solid hemangioblastoma and neoplasms arising in the brain stem. In addition, radiotherapy should be used when the tumor recurs after total excision. The recommended dose is in the range of 4500--5000 rads in 4 1/2--5 weeks.