Conservative Management or Gamma Knife Radiosurgery for Vestibular Schwannoma

Neurosurgery ◽  
2013 ◽  
Vol 73 (1) ◽  
pp. 48-57 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cathrine Nansdal Breivik ◽  
Roy Miodini Nilsen ◽  
Erling Myrseth ◽  
Paal Henning Pedersen ◽  
Jobin K. Varughese ◽  
...  

Abstract BACKGROUND: There are few reports about the course of vestibular schwannoma (VS) patients following gamma knife radiosurgery (GKRS) compared with the course following conservative management (CM). In this study, we present prospectively collected data of 237 patients with unilateral VS extending outside the internal acoustic canal who received either GKRS (113) or CM (124). OBJECTIVE: The aim was to measure the effect of GKRS compared with the natural course on tumor growth rate and hearing loss. Secondary end points were postinclusion additional treatment, quality of life (QoL), and symptom development. METHODS: The patients underwent magnetic resonance imaging scans, clinical examination, and QoL assessment by SF-36 questionnaire. Statistics were performed by using Spearman correlation coefficient, Kaplan-Meier plot, Poisson regression model, mixed linear regression models, and mixed logistic regression models. RESULTS: Mean follow-up time was 55.0 months (26.1 standard deviation, range 10-132). Thirteen patients were lost to follow-up. Serviceable hearing was lost in 54 of 71 (76%) (CM) and 34 of 53 (64%) (GKRS) patients during the study period (not significant, log-rank test). There was a significant reduction in tumor volume over time in the GKRS group. The need for treatment following initial GKRS or CM differed at highly significant levels (log-rank test, P < .001). Symptom and QoL development did not differ significantly between the groups. CONCLUSION: In VS patients, GKRS reduces the tumor growth rate and thereby the incidence rate of new treatment about tenfold. Hearing is lost at similar rates in both groups. Symptoms and QoL seem not to be significantly affected by GKRS.

2016 ◽  
Vol 125 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 89-96 ◽  
Author(s):  
Charles A. Valery ◽  
Matthieu Faillot ◽  
Ioannis Lamproglou ◽  
Jean-Louis Golmard ◽  
Catherine Jenny ◽  
...  

OBJECTIVEGrade II meningiomas, which currently account for 25% of all meningiomas, are subject to multiple recurrences throughout the course of the disease and represent a challenge for the neurosurgeon. Radiosurgery is increasingly performed for the treatment of Grade II meningiomas and is quite efficient in controlling relapses locally at the site of the lesion, but it cannot prevent margin relapses. The aim of this retrospective study was to analyze the technical parameters involved in producing marginal relapses and to optimize loco-marginal control to improve therapeutic strategy.METHODSEighteen patients presenting 58 lesions were treated by Gamma Knife radiosurgery (GKRS) between 2010 and 2015 in Hopital de la Pitié-Salpêtrière. The median patient age was 68 years (25%−75% interval: 61–72 years), and the sex ratio (M/F) was 13:5. The median delay between surgery and first GKRS was 3 years. Patients were classified as having Grade II meningioma using World Health Organization (WHO) 2007 criteria. The tumor growth rate was computed by comparing 2 volumetric measurements before treatment. After GKRS, iterative MRI, performed every 6 months, detected a relapse if tumor volume increased by more than 20%. Patterns of relapse were defined as being local, marginal, or distal. Survival curves were estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method, and the relationship between criterion and potential risk factors was tested by the log-rank test and univariable Cox model.RESULTSThe median follow-up was 36 months (range 8–57 months). During this period, 3 patients presented with a local relapse, 5 patients with a marginal relapse, and 7 patients with a distal relapse. Crude local control was 84.5%. The local control actuarial rate was 89% at 1 year and 71% at 3 years. The marginal control actuarial rate was 81% at 1 year and 74% at 2 years. The distal control actuarial rate was 100% at 1 year, 81% at 2 years, and 53% at 3 years. Median distal control was 38 months. Progression-free survival (PFS) was 71% at 1 year, 36% at 2 years, and 23% at 3 years. Median PFS was 18 months. Lesions treated with a minimum radiation dose of ≤ 12 Gy had significantly more local relapses than those treated with a dose > 12 Gy (p = 0.04) in univariate analysis.Marginal control was significantly influenced by tumor growth rate, with a lower growth rate being highly associated with improved marginal control (p = 0.002). There was a trend toward a relationship between dose and marginal control, but it was not significant (p = 0.09). PFS was significantly associated with delay between first surgery and GKRS (p = 0.03). The authors noticed few complications with no sequelae.CONCLUSIONSIn order to optimize loco-marginal control, radiosurgical treatment should require a minimum dose of > 12 Gy and an extended target volume along the dural insertion. Ideally, these parameters should correspond to the aggressiveness of the lesion, based on genetic features of the tumor.


2015 ◽  
Vol 123 (2) ◽  
pp. 387-394 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jason P. Sheehan ◽  
Hideyuki Kano ◽  
Zhiyuan Xu ◽  
Veronica Chiang ◽  
David Mathieu ◽  
...  

OBJECT Facial nerve schwannomas (FNSs) are rare intracranial tumors, and the optimal management of these tumors remains unclear. Resection can be undertaken, but the tumor’s intimate association with the facial nerve makes resection with neurological preservation quite challenging. Stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) has been used to treat FNSs, and this study evaluates the outcome of this approach. METHODS At 8 medical centers participating in the North American Gamma Knife Consortium (NAGKC), 42 patients undergoing SRS for an FNS were identified, and clinical and radiographic data were obtained for these cases. Males outnumbered females at a ratio of 1.2:1, and the patients’ median age was 48 years (range 11–76 years). Prior resection was performed in 36% of cases. The mean tumor volume was 1.8 cm3, and a mean margin dose of 12.5 Gy (range 11–15 Gy) was delivered to the tumor. RESULTS At a median follow-up of 28 months, tumor control was achieved in 36 (90%) of the 40 patients with reliable radiographic follow-up. Actuarial tumor control was 97%, 97%, 97%, and 90% at 1, 2, 3, and 5 years postradiosurgery. Preoperative facial nerve function was preserved in 38 of 42 patients, with 60% of evaluable patients having House-Brackmann scores of 1 or 2 at last follow-up. Treated patients with a House-Brackmann score of 1 to 3 were more likely to demonstrate this level of facial nerve function at last evaluation (OR 6.09, 95% CI 1.7–22.0, p = 0.006). Avoidance of temporary or permanent neurological symptoms was more likely to be achieved in patients who received a tumor margin dose of 12.5 Gy or less (log-rank test, p = 0.024) delivered to a tumor of ≤ 1 cm3 in volume (log-rank test, p = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS Stereotactic radiosurgery resulted in tumor control and neurological preservation in most FNS patients. When the tumor is smaller and the patient exhibits favorable normal facial nerve function, SRS portends a better result. The authors believe that early, upfront SRS may be the treatment of choice for small FNSs, but it is an effective salvage treatment for residual/recurrent tumor that remain or progress after resection.


Neurosurgery ◽  
2013 ◽  
Vol 72 (6) ◽  
pp. 907-914 ◽  
Author(s):  
Matthieu Peyre ◽  
Stéphane Goutagny ◽  
Alpha Bah ◽  
Daniele Bernardeschi ◽  
Béatrice Larroque ◽  
...  

Abstract BACKGROUND: As new treatment modalities develop for the management of vestibular schwannomas (VS) in patients with neurofibromatosis type 2, it remains crucial to ascertain the natural history of the disease. OBJECTIVE: To determine the relationship between hearing and tumor growth in patients undergoing conservative VS management. METHODS: Patients harboring bilateral VS with at least 1 year of radiological follow-up were selected. Conservative management was proposed based on the small tumor size and/or serviceable hearing at presentation. Tumor size was calculated by using the 2-component box model and reported as mean tumor diameter. Hearing was evaluated by using pure-tone average and the American Academy of Otololaryngologists and Head and Neck Surgery classification. RESULTS: Forty-six patients harboring 92 VS were included. The mean clinical and radiological follow-up times were 6.0 and 4.2 years, respectively. The mean tumor diameter was 13 mm at presentation and 20 mm at the end of follow-up. Mean tumor growth rate was 1.8 mm/year. During follow-up, 17 patients (37%) underwent surgery for VS. Surgery-free rate for VS was 88% at 5 years. The number of patients with at least 1 serviceable ear was 39 (85%) at presentation and 34 (74%) at the end of follow-up, including 22 (66%) with binaural serviceable hearing maintained. There was no statistical correlation between tumor growth rate and preservation of serviceable hearing. Tumor growth rates and age at presentation were inversely correlated. CONCLUSION: This study illustrates the high variability among neurofibromatosis type 2 patients regarding hearing status and VS growth rate and justifies the choice of initial conservative management in selected cases.


2009 ◽  
Vol 110 (4) ◽  
pp. 662-669 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wissame El Bakkouri ◽  
Romain E. Kania ◽  
Jean-Pierre Guichard ◽  
Guillaume Lot ◽  
Philippe Herman ◽  
...  

Object The object of this study was to evaluate the natural history, pattern, and occurrence of tumor growth and its consequences for treatment of small-sized vestibular schwannomas (VSs). Methods From 1990 to 2005, 386 patients underwent conservative management for VS because of the following: age > 60 years, poor health/medical risks, risk of deterioration of good hearing, small tumor size, minimal or no incapacitating symptoms, and/or patient preference. Tumor size was measured by MR imaging according to the guidelines of the Committee on Hearing and Equilibrium. The first MR imaging study was performed 1 year after diagnosis, and subsequent imaging was performed yearly or every 2 years depending on the appearance of new symptoms, tumor growth, or both. Results Sixty-one patients were lost to follow-up the first year after presentation. Of the 325 patients for whom 1-year follow-up data were available, 39 showed tumor growth ≥ 3 mm. Conservative management was discontinued for these 39 patients. The patients who returned for follow-up were evaluated at 1- or 2-year intervals depending on tumor growth. The authors extrapolated to obtain data for 2-year intervals, yielding data for 160, 56, 21, and 8 patients at 3, 5, 7, and 9 years after initial presentation, respectively. The overall mean tumor growth rate (±standard deviation) was 1.15 ± 2.4 mm/year. This rate was estimated by pooling all values of tumor growth that had been determined for all patients and dividing by the total number of “events,” with each assessment constituting an event. In 58.6% of patients, the annual tumor growth rate was < 1 mm/year; in 29.2%, 1–3 mm/year; and in 12.2%, ≥ 3 mm/ year. The growth rates of intrameatal (1.02 ± 1.8 mm/year) and extrameatal (1.40 ± 3.1 mm/year) tumors did not differ significantly. No significant association was found between tumor growth rate and sex, age, initial hearing status, or initial tumor grade. Delay in diagnosis was the only significant factor associated with tumor growth rate. During follow-up, conservative management was discontinued for 77 (23.7%) of the 325 patients for whom at least 12-month follow-up data were available; surgery was performed in 60 (77.9%) and radiation therapy in 17 (22.1%). Conclusions The results of this study support the role of a conservative “wait-and-scan” policy of management for small-sized VSs because most have a slow growth rate. Long-term neuroimaging follow-up is needed even with non-growing tumors.


Neurosurgery ◽  
2003 ◽  
Vol 52 (3) ◽  
pp. 517-524 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yoshiyasu Iwai ◽  
Kazuhiro Yamanaka ◽  
Tomoya Ishiguro

Abstract OBJECTIVE We report on the efficacy of gamma knife radiosurgery for cavernous sinus meningiomas. METHODS Between January 1994 and December 1999, we used gamma knife radiosurgery for the treatment of 43 patients with cavernous sinus meningiomas. Forty-two patients were followed up for a mean of 49.4 months (range, 18–84 mo). The patients' average age was 55 years (range, 18–81 yr). Twenty-two patients (52%) underwent operations before radiosurgery, and 20 patients (48%) underwent radiosurgery after the diagnosis was made by magnetic resonance imaging. The tumor volumes ranged from 1.2 to 101.5 cm3 (mean, 14.7 cm3). The tumors either compressed or were attached to the optic apparatus in 17 patients (40.5%). The marginal radiation dose was 8 to 15 Gy (mean, 11 Gy), and the optic apparatus was irradiated with 2 to 12 Gy (mean, 6.2 Gy). Three patients with a mean tumor diameter greater than 4 cm were treated by two-stage radiosurgery. RESULTS Thirty-eight patients (90.5%) demonstrated tumor growth control during the follow-up period after radiosurgery. Tumor regression was observed in 25 patients (59.5%), and growth was unchanged in 13 patients (31%). Regrowth or recurrence occurred in four patients (9.5%). The actual tumor growth control rate at 5 years was 92%. Only one patient (2.4%) experienced regrowth within the treatment field; in other patients, regrowth occurred at sites peripheral to or outside the treatment field. Twelve patients (28.6%) had improved clinically by the time of the follow-up examination. None of the patients experienced optic neuropathy caused by radiation injury or any new neurological deficits after radiosurgery. CONCLUSION Gamma knife radiosurgery may be a useful option for the treatment of cavernous sinus meningiomas not only as an adjuvant to surgery but also as an alternative to surgical removal. We have shown it to be safe and effective even in tumors that adhere to or are in close proximity to the optic apparatus.


2009 ◽  
Vol 160 (2) ◽  
pp. 143-148 ◽  
Author(s):  
Einar Osland Vik-Mo ◽  
Marianne Øksnes ◽  
Paal-Henning Pedersen ◽  
Tore Wentzel-Larsen ◽  
Eyvind Rødahl ◽  
...  

ObjectiveGamma knife radiosurgery (GKR) can be used as primary or adjuvant therapy for the treatment of an ACTH-producing pituitary tumor after bilateral adrenalectomy, called Nelson syndrome (NS). We have examined the effect of GKR on tumor growth and ACTH-hypersecretion, and characterized the adverse events of this treatment in patients with NS.DesignCross-sectional follow-up study. First, retrospective data pre- and post-GKR were collected. Patients then underwent a predefined survey including radiological, endocrinological, ophthalmological, and neurosurgical evaluation.SubjectsTen patients treated with GKR for NS after previous bilateral adrenalectomy. The mean follow-up was 7 years. No patient was lost to follow-up.ResultsTumor growth was stopped in all patients. The ACTH levels declined in eight patients, and normalized in one patient. There was a significant drop in ACTH levels, with a half-time of 2.8 years. No patient developed visual field defects or any other cranial nerve dysfunction as a result of treatment. Four patients started hormone substitution therapy during the follow-up period. The substitution therapy of three pituitary axes present at GKR treatment could be stopped during the same period. One patient developed a glioblastoma in the left parieto-occipital region 14 years after GKR, far from the field of treatment. As the radiation level was below 1Gy to this area, it is unlikely that the GKR treatment itself induced the malignant tumor.ConclusionIn patients with NS, GKR is an effective adjuvant treatment, carrying relatively few adverse effects. Although the risk of developing a secondary neoplasia after GKR is present, it is probably extremely low.


Author(s):  
F. A. Zeiler ◽  
M. Bigder ◽  
A. Kaufmann ◽  
P. J. McDonald ◽  
D. Fewer ◽  
...  

Abstract:Introduction:Gamma Knife (GK) radiosurgery for pituitary adenomas can offer a means of tumor and biologic control with acceptable risk and low complication rates.Methods:Retrospective review of all the patients treated at our center with GK for pituitary adenomas from Nov 2003 to June 2011.Results:We treated a total of 86 patients. Ten were lost to follow-up. Mean follow was 32.8 months. There were 21 (24.4%) growth hormone secreting adenomas (GH), 8 (9.3%) prolactinomas (PRL), 8 (9.3%) adrenocorticotropic hormone secreting (ACTH) adenomas, 2 (2.3%) follicle stimulating hormone/luteinizing hormone secreting (FSH/LH) adenomas, and 47 (54.7%) null cell pituitary adenomas that were treated. Average maximum tumor diameter and volume was 2.21cm and 5.41cm3, respectively. The average dose to the 50% isodose line was 14.2 Gy and 23.6 Gy for secreting and non-secreting adenomas respectively. Mean maximal optic nerve dose was 8.87 Gy. Local control rate was 75 of 76 (98.7%), for those with followup. Thirty-three (43.4%) patients experienced arrest of tumor growth, while 42 (55.2%) patients experienced tumor regression. Of the 39 patients with secreting pituitary tumors, 6 were lost to follow-up. Improved endocrine status occurred in 16 (50.0%), while 14 (43.8%) demonstrated stability of hormone status on continued pre-operative medical management. Permanent complications included: panhypopituitarism (4), hypothyroidism (4), hypocortisolemia (1), diabetes insipidus (1), apoplexy (1), visual field defect (2), and diplopia (1).Conclusions:Gamma Knife radiosurgery is a safe and effective means of achieving tumor growth control and endocrine remission/stability in pituitary adenomas.


2019 ◽  
Vol 131 (2) ◽  
pp. 500-506 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jung Hee Kim ◽  
Yun-Sik Dho ◽  
Yong Hwy Kim ◽  
Jung Hyun Lee ◽  
Ji Hyun Lee ◽  
...  

OBJECTIVEThe natural history and proper algorithm for follow-up testing of nonfunctioning pituitary adenomas (PAs) are not well known, despite their relatively high prevalence. The aim of this study was to suggest the optimal follow-up algorithm for nonfunctioning PAs based on their natural history.METHODSThe authors followed up 197 patients with nonfunctioning PAs that had not been treated (including surgery and radiation therapy) at the time of detection, in a single center, between March 2000 and February 2017. They conducted a hormone test, visual field test, and MRI at the time of diagnosis and yearly thereafter.RESULTSThe overall median follow-up duration was 37 months. Microadenomas (n = 38) did not cause visual disturbance, pituitary apoplexy, or endocrine dysfunction. The incidence of patients with tumor volume growth ≥ 20% was higher for macroadenomas than microadenomas (13.8 vs 5.0 per 100 person-years [PYs], p = 0.002). The median time to any tumor growth was 4.8 years (95% CI 3.4–4.8 years) for microadenomas and 4 years (95% CI 3.3–4.2 years) for macroadenomas. The overall incidence of worsening visual function was 0.69 per 100 PYs. Patients with a tumor volume growth rate ≥ 0.88 cm3/year (n = 20) had a higher incidence of worsening visual function (4.69 vs 0.30 per 100 PYs, p < 0.001). The tumor growth rate of all microadenomas was < 0.88 cm3/year. The median time to tumor growth ≥ 20% was 3.3 years (95% CI 1.8–3.9 years) in patients with a tumor growth rate ≥ 0.88 cm3/year and 4.9 years (95% CI 4.6–7.2 years) in patients with a tumor growth rate < 0.88 cm3/year.CONCLUSIONSThe authors have devised a follow-up strategy based on the tumor volume growth rate as well as initial tumor volume. In patients with microadenomas, the next MRI study can be performed at 3 years. In patients with macroadenomas, the second MRI study should be performed between 6 months and 1 year to assess the tumor growth rate. In patients with a tumor growth rate ≥ 0.88 cm3/year, the MRI study should be performed within 2 years. In patients with a tumor growth rate < 0.88 cm3/year, the MRI study can be delayed until 4 years.


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