Stereotactic radiosurgery of cerebral metastases: preliminary results

The authors have treated 11 solitary cerebral metastases in 9 patients with stereotactic radiosurgery. This relatively new technique of stereotactic single high dose radiotherapy (15-30 Gy to the 70% isodose) is explained. All metastases responded to treatment: six disappeared on CT scan, while the volume of the remaining five diminished significantly. All patients with neurological symptoms had a satisfactory recuperation. There were no complications inherent to the technique. The indications and advantages of this innovative form of "surgical" radiotherapy are discussed.