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Stereotactic external beam irradiation using a linear accelerator: the Washington University experience
J R Simpson1, K M Rich, R E Drzymala
1Radiation Oncology Center, Washington University School of Medicine, Jewish Hospital of St. Louis, Missouri.
Missouri Medicine
|April 1, 1995
Summary
Stereotactic external beam irradiation effectively treated various brain lesions, including metastases and gliomas. This non-invasive method offered durable responses with mild side effects for localized brain tumors.
Area of Science:
- Neurosurgery
- Radiation Oncology
- Medical Physics
Background:
- Stereotactic external beam irradiation (SEBR) is a precise radiation technique.
- Its application for diverse brain lesions requires evaluation.
- Understanding treatment outcomes for various pathologies is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the safety and efficacy of SEBR for a range of brain lesions.
- To report treatment outcomes and side effects in a patient cohort.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 139 patients treated between February 1989 and December 1993.
- Utilized a 6MV linear accelerator for stereotactic external beam irradiation.
- Treated diverse lesions including brain metastases, gliomas, arteriovenous malformations, acoustic neuromas, meningiomas, and pituitary adenomas.
Main Results:
- The largest patient group had recurrent brain metastases (n=46).
- Other treated conditions included malignant gliomas (n=27), arteriovenous malformations (n=27), acoustic neuromas (n=9), meningiomas (n=7), and pituitary adenomas (n=2).
- The majority of patients experienced durable responses with transient, mild side effects.
Conclusions:
- Stereotactic external beam irradiation is a safe and reliable treatment modality.
- It proves effective for non-invasive treatment of selected small, localized brain lesions.
- SEBR offers a viable therapeutic option for various intracranial pathologies.