scholarly journals Same-day stereotactic aspiration and Gamma Knife surgery for cystic intracranial tumors

2012 ◽  
Vol 117 (Special_Suppl) ◽  
pp. 45-48 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xiaomin Liu ◽  
Qi Yu ◽  
Zhiyuan Zhang ◽  
Yipei Zhang ◽  
Yanhe Li ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gamma Knife ◽  
Tumor Volume ◽  
Symptom Relief ◽  
Gamma Knife Surgery ◽  
Tumor Control ◽  
Intracranial Tumors ◽  
Glial Tumor ◽  
Stereotactic Aspiration ◽  
Cyst Aspiration

Object The goal of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of same-day stereotactic aspiration and Gamma knife surgery (GKS) for cystic intracranial tumors. Methods Between 1996 and 2007, 77 patients harboring cystic intracranial tumors underwent a same-day procedure of MRI-guided cyst aspiration followed by GKS. The diagnoses were metastatic tumor in 43 patients, glial tumor in 12 patients, vestibular schwannoma in 10 patients, craniopharyngioma in 9 patients, and hemangioblastoma in 3 patients. Results An improvement in symptoms was achieved in 68 patients (88.3%) immediately after cyst aspiration. The mean tumor volume in this group of patients was 25.1 cm3 before aspiration and 11.1 cm3 afterward. Hemorrhage during the course of aspiration was encountered in 1 patient. Transient nausea after cyst aspiration developed in 3 patients. There was no treatment-related hematoma, seizure, neurological deficit, or infection. The median follow-up period was 16 months (range 6–108 months). Tumor control was achieved in 50 (80.6%) of 62 patients who participated in follow-up for at least 6 months. Conclusions The same-day stereotactic aspiration and GKS procedure was safe in patients with cystic brain tumors. Prompt symptom relief was obtained after cyst aspiration. The decrease in tumor volume following aspiration made GKS more effective because a higher prescription dose could be administered with a lower possibility of radiation-induced side effects.

scholarly journals Effectiveness of a 1-day aspiration plus Gamma Knife surgery procedure for metastatic brain tumor with a cystic component

2012 ◽  
Vol 117 (Special_Suppl) ◽  
pp. 17-22 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fumi Higuchi ◽  
Shunsuke Kawamoto ◽  
Yoshihiro Abe ◽  
Phyo Kim ◽  
Keisuke Ueki
Keyword(s):  
Gamma Knife ◽  
Tumor Volume ◽  
Gamma Knife Surgery ◽  
Tumor Control ◽  
Efficient Treatment ◽  
Stereotactic Aspiration ◽  
Stereotactic Frame ◽  
Cystic Component ◽  
Tumor Volume Reduction ◽  
Good Tumor Control

Object Gamma Knife surgery (GKS) has gained increasing relevance in the treatment of metastatic brain tumors, but many metastatic tumors contain a large cystic component and often exceed the size limit for GKS. For such lesions, the authors adopted a procedure in which stereotactic aspiration is first performed and followed immediately by GKS on the same day. In this paper, the authors describe this 1-day combined procedure and evaluate its efficacy. Methods Between 2005 and 2010, 25 cystic metastases in 25 patients were treated at Dokkyo Medical University. The patients first underwent MRI and stereotactic aspiration of the cyst while stationary in a Leksell stereotactic frame; immediately afterward, the patients underwent a second MR imaging session and Gamma Knife treatment. Tumor volume reduction, tumor control rate, and overall survival were examined. Results Tumor volume, including the cystic component, decreased from 8.0–64.2 cm3 (mean 20.3 cm3) to 3.0–36.2 cm3 (mean 10.3 cm3) following aspiration, and the volume of 24 of 25 lesions decreased to less than 16.6 cm3, which is equivalent to the volume of a 3.16-cm sphere. At least 20 Gy was delivered to the entire lesion in 24 of 25 cases. Good tumor control was obtained in 16 of 21 cases that could be evaluated during a median follow-up period of 11 months (range 1–27 months); however, reaccumulation of cyst contents was observed in 2 patients who required Ommaya reservoir placement. Conclusions The 1-day aspiration plus GKS procedure is an effective and time-efficient treatment for large cystic brain metastases.

Volume reduction in meningiomas after gamma knife surgery

2005 ◽  
Vol 102 ◽  
pp. 189-194 ◽  
Author(s):  
Guenther C. Feigl ◽  
Otto Bundschuh ◽  
Alireza Gharabaghi ◽  
Madjid Samii ◽  
Gerhard A. Horstmann
Keyword(s):  
Gamma Knife ◽  
Tumor Volume ◽  
Gamma Knife Surgery ◽  
Volume Reduction ◽  
World Health ◽  
Tumor Control ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Fine Print

Object.The purpose of this study was to evaluate the volume-reducing effects of gamma knife surgery (GKS) of meningiomas with and without previous surgical treatment.Methods.A group of 127 patients with a mean age of 57.1 years (range 9–81 years) with 142 meningiomas (128 World Health Organization Grade I and 14 Grade II) were included in this study. The management strategy reduces tumor volume with surgery when necessary (81 patients). Stereotactic GKS with a Gamma Knife model C was performed in all tumors of suitable size. Magnetic resonance imaging follow-up examinations with volumetric tumor analysis was performed 6 months after treatment and annually thereafter.The mean tumor volume was 5.9 cm3(range < 5 to > 40 cm3). The mean follow-up time after GKS was 29.3 months (range 11–61 months). The mean prescription dose was 13.8 Gy (range 10–18 Gy). A reduction in volume occurred in 117 (82.4%) of all tumors, and in 20 tumors (14.1%) growth ceased. The overall tumor control rate of 96.4%. The mean volume reduction achieved with GKS was more than 46.1%. Only five tumors (3.5%) showed a volume increase.Conclusions.Gamma knife surgery was effective in reducing meningioma volume at short-term follow up. Further studies are needed to examine the development of these findings over a longer period.

Long-term tumor control and cranial nerve outcomes following Gamma Knife surgery for larger-volume vestibular schwannomas

2012 ◽  
Vol 116 (3) ◽  
pp. 598-604 ◽  
Author(s):  
Brian D. Milligan ◽  
Bruce E. Pollock ◽  
Robert L. Foote ◽  
Michael J. Link
Keyword(s):  
Posterior Fossa ◽  
Gamma Knife ◽  
Cranial Nerve ◽  
Tumor Volume ◽  
Gamma Knife Surgery ◽  
Tumor Control ◽  
Tumor Diameter ◽  
Tumor Margin ◽  
Median Maximum

Object Gamma Knife surgery (GKS) for vestibular schwannoma (VS) is an accepted treatment for small- to medium-sized tumors, generally smaller than 2.5 cm in the maximum posterior fossa dimension. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and toxicity of GKS for larger tumors. Methods Prospectively collected data were analyzed for 22 patients who had undergone GKS for VSs larger than 2.5 cm in the posterior fossa diameter between 1997 and 2006. No patient had symptomatic brainstem compression at the time of GKS. The median treated tumor volume was 9.4 cm3 (range 5.3–19.1 cm3). The median maximum posterior fossa diameter was 2.8 cm (range 2.5–3.8 cm). The median tumor margin dose was 12 Gy (range 12–14 Gy). Serial imaging, audiometry (10 patients with serviceable hearing pre-GKS), and clinical follow-up were available for a median of 66 months (range 26–121 months). Tumor control failure was defined as either a progressive increase in tumor diameter of at least 2 mm in any dimension or a later resection. Results Four patients met the criteria for GKS failure, including 1 patient who demonstrated sarcomatous degeneration more than 7 years after GKS and died 3 months after microsurgical debulking. An enlarging cystic component was the surgical indication in 1 of the 2 patients who required resection, although 27% of tumors (6 lesions) were cystic before GKS. The 3-year actuarial rate of tumor control, freedom from new facial neuropathy, and preservation of functional hearing were 86%, 92%, and 47%, respectively. At 5 years post-GKS, these rates decreased to 82%, 85%, and 28%, respectively. At the most recent follow-up, 91% of tumors were smaller than at the time of GKS and the median maximum posterior fossa diameter reduction was 26%. On multivariate analysis, none of the following factors was associated with GKS failure, new facial weakness, new trigeminal neuropathy, or loss of serviceable hearing: patient age, tumor volume, tumor margin dose, and preoperative cranial nerve dysfunction. Conclusions Single-session radiosurgery is a successful treatment for the majority of patients with larger VSs. Although tumor control rates are lower than those for smaller VSs managed with GKS, the cranial nerve morbidity of GKS is significantly lower than that typically achieved via resection of larger VSs.

Volume reduction in meningiomas after gamma knife surgery

2005 ◽  
Vol 102 (Special_Supplement) ◽  
pp. 189-194 ◽  
Author(s):  
Guenther C. Feigl ◽  
Otto Bundschuh ◽  
Alireza Gharabaghi ◽  
Madjid Samii ◽  
Gerhard A. Horstmann
Keyword(s):  
Gamma Knife ◽  
Tumor Volume ◽  
Gamma Knife Surgery ◽  
Volume Reduction ◽  
World Health ◽  
Tumor Control ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Fine Print

Object. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the volume-reducing effects of gamma knife surgery (GKS) of meningiomas with and without previous surgical treatment. Methods. A group of 127 patients with a mean age of 57.1 years (range 9–81 years) with 142 meningiomas (128 World Health Organization Grade I and 14 Grade II) were included in this study. The management strategy reduces tumor volume with surgery when necessary (81 patients). Stereotactic GKS with a Gamma Knife model C was performed in all tumors of suitable size. Magnetic resonance imaging follow-up examinations with volumetric tumor analysis was performed 6 months after treatment and annually thereafter. The mean tumor volume was 5.9 cm3 (range < 5 to > 40 cm3). The mean follow-up time after GKS was 29.3 months (range 11–61 months). The mean prescription dose was 13.8 Gy (range 10–18 Gy). A reduction in volume occurred in 117 (82.4%) of all tumors, and in 20 tumors (14.1%) growth ceased. The overall tumor control rate of 96.4%. The mean volume reduction achieved with GKS was more than 46.1%. Only five tumors (3.5%) showed a volume increase. Conclusions. Gamma knife surgery was effective in reducing meningioma volume at short-term follow up. Further studies are needed to examine the development of these findings over a longer period.

scholarly journals Multisession Gamma Knife surgery for benign orbital tumors

2012 ◽  
Vol 117 (Special_Suppl) ◽  
pp. 102-107 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kyung-Il Jo ◽  
Yong Seok Im ◽  
Doo-Sik Kong ◽  
Ho Jun Seol ◽  
Do-Hyun Nam ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Visual Acuity ◽  
Optic Nerve ◽  
Gamma Knife ◽  
Direct Contact ◽  
Tumor Volume ◽  
Gamma Knife Surgery ◽  
Tumor Control ◽  
Orbital Tumors ◽  
Cavernous Hemangiomas

Object The goal of this study was to investigate the safety and efficacy of multisession Gamma Knife surgery (GKS) in the treatment of benign orbital tumors. Methods Twenty-three patients who retained their vision despite having tumors touching their optic nerve were treated with multisession (4-fraction) GKS. The median tumor volume was 2800 mm3 (range 211–10,800 mm3), and the median cumulative margin dose was 20 Gy (range 18–22 Gy). Results The median clinical follow-up duration in these patients was 38 months (range 9–74 months). No patient experienced tumor progression in this study. In particular, a higher degree of tumor shrinkage was found in the 7 patients with cavernous hemangiomas than in patients with other types of lesions (p < 0.05). Of the 23 patients whose preoperative vision was preserved, 11 showed improvement in visual acuity and/or visual field and 12 showed stable visual acuity. No GKS-related adverse events were noted during or after treatment. Conclusions Multisession radiosurgery using the Gamma Knife may be a good strategy for tumors in direct contact with the optic nerve. A cumulative margin dose of up to 22 Gy delivered in 4 sessions is safe for preservation of visual function with a high probability of tumor control.

Gamma Knife surgery for skull base meningiomas

2012 ◽  
Vol 116 (3) ◽  
pp. 588-597 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert M. Starke ◽  
Brian J. Williams ◽  
Claire Hiles ◽  
James H. Nguyen ◽  
Mohamed Y. Elsharkawy ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Multivariate Analysis ◽  
Tumor Progression ◽  
Skull Base ◽  
Gamma Knife ◽  
Cerebellopontine Angle ◽  
Tumor Volume ◽  
Gamma Knife Surgery ◽  
Tumor Control ◽  
Skull Base Meningiomas

Object Skull base meningiomas are challenging tumors owing in part to their close proximity to important neurovascular structures. Complete microsurgical resection can be associated with significant morbidity, and recurrence rates are not inconsequential. In this study, the authors evaluate the outcomes of skull base meningiomas treated with Gamma Knife surgery (GKS) both as an adjunct to microsurgery and as a primary treatment modality. Methods The authors performed a retrospective review of a prospectively compiled database detailing the outcomes in 255 patients with skull base meningiomas treated at the University of Virginia from 1989 to 2006. All patients had a minimum follow-up of 24 months. The group comprised 54 male and 201 female patients, with a median age of 55 years (range 19–85 years). One hundred nine patients were treated with upfront radiosurgery, and 146 patients were treated with GKS following resection. Patients were assessed clinically and radiographically at routine intervals following GKS. Factors predictive of new neurological deficit following GKS were assessed via univariate and multivariate analysis, and Kaplan-Meier analysis and Cox multivariate regression analysis were used to assess factors predictive of tumor progression. Results Meningiomas were centered over the cerebellopontine angle in 43 patients (17%), the clivus in 40 (16%), the petroclival region in 28 (11%), the petrous region in 6 (2%), and the parasellar region in 138 (54%). The median duration of follow-up was 6.5 years (range 2–18 years). The mean preradiosurgery tumor volume was 5.0 cm3 (range 0.3–54.8 cm3). At most recent follow-up, 220 patients (86%) displayed either no change or a decrease in tumor volume, and 35 (14%) displayed an increase in volume. Actuarial progression-free survival at 3, 5, and 10 years was 99%, 96%, and 79%, respectively. In Cox multivariate analysis, pre-GKS covariates associated with tumor progression included age greater then 65 years (HR 3.41, 95% CI 1.63–7.13, p = 0.001) and decreasing dose to tumor margin (HR 0.90, 95% CI 0.80–1.00, p = 0.05). At most recent clinical follow-up, 230 patients (90%) demonstrated no change or improvement in their neurological condition and the condition of 25 patients had deteriorated (10%). In multivariate analysis, the factors predictive of new or worsening symptoms were increasing duration of follow-up (OR 1.01, 95% CI 1.00–1.02, p = 0.015), tumor progression (OR 2.91, 95% CI 1.60–5.31, p < 0.001), decreasing maximum dose (OR 0.90, 95% CI 0.84–0.97, p = 0.007), and petrous or clival location versus parasellar, petroclival, and cerebellopontine angle location (OR 3.47, 95% CI 1.23–9.74, p = 0.018). Conclusions Stereotactic radiosurgery offers a high rate of tumor control and neurological preservation in patients with skull base meningiomas. After radiosurgery, better outcomes were observed for those receiving an optimal radiosurgery dose and harboring tumors located in a cerebellopontine angle, parasellar, or petroclival location.

scholarly journals Gamma Knife radiosurgery in the treatment of abducens nerve schwannomas: a retrospective study

2016 ◽  
Vol 125 (4) ◽  
pp. 832-837 ◽  
Author(s):  
Govindaraju Lakshmi Prasad ◽  
Manish Singh Sharma ◽  
Shashank S. Kale ◽  
Deepak Agrawal ◽  
Manmohan Singh ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gamma Knife ◽  
Tumor Volume ◽  
Gamma Knife Radiosurgery ◽  
Abducens Nerve ◽  
Symptomatic Improvement ◽  
Tumor Control ◽  
Imaging Features ◽  
Intracranial Tumors ◽  
The Mean

OBJECTIVE Of the intracranial schwannomas, those arising from the vestibular nerves are the most common. Abducens nerve (AN) schwannomas are very rare, and there is limited literature on their optimal management. Therapeutic options include surgery and/or stereotactic radiosurgery. The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of Gamma Knife radiosurgery (GKRS) in these sixth cranial nerve (CN) schwannomas. METHODS The authors performed a retrospective analysis of patients who had undergone GKRS for intracranial tumors at their institute in the period from 2003 to 2010. Inclusion criteria were as follows: isolated AN paresis on presentation, a lesion along the course of the sixth CN, and imaging features characteristic of a schwannoma. Patients with other CN deficits and neurofibromatosis Type 2 were excluded. Symptomatic improvement was defined as the resolution of or an improvement in diplopia noted on a subjective basis or as an improvement in lateral eyeball excursion noted objectively on follow-up. A reduction in tumor volume by at least 20%, as noted by comparing the pre- and post-GKRS images, was deemed significant. RESULTS Six patients with a mean age of 37.1 years (range 17–55 years) underwent primary GKRS. There were 2 prepontine cistern, 3 cavernous sinus, and 1 cisterno-cavernous tumor. The mean duration of symptoms was 6.1 months (range 3–12 months). The mean tumor volume was 3.3 cm3 (range 1.5–4.8 cm3). The mean tumor margin radiation dose was 12.5 Gy (range 12–14 Gy), while the median margin dose was 12 Gy (50% isodose line). The median number of isocenters used was 5 (range 4–8). The brainstem received an average 8.35-Gy radiation dosage (range 5.5–11 Gy). The mean follow-up duration was 44.3 months (range 24–78 months). Symptoms remained stable in 1 patient, improved in 3, and resolved in 2 (total improvement 83%). Magnetic resonance imaging at the last follow-up showed a stable tumor size in 3 patients (50%) and a reduction in the other 3. Thus, the tumor control rate achieved was 100%. No new CN deficits were noted. CONCLUSIONS Abducens nerve schwannomas are rare intracranial tumors. They can be cavernous, cisternal, or cisterno-cavernous in location. Excellent tumor control rates and symptomatic improvement can be achieved with GKRS, which appears to be a safe and effective, minimally invasive modality for the treatment of such lesions. Therefore, it is reasonable to consider GKRS as the initial treatment of choice for this rare pathology. Long-term follow-up will be essential for further recommendations.

Gamma Knife surgery for benign meningioma

2007 ◽  
Vol 107 (2) ◽  
pp. 325-336 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aurelia Kollová ◽  
Roman Liščák ◽  
Josef Novotný ◽  
Vilibald Vladyka ◽  
Gabriela Šimonová ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gamma Knife ◽  
Tumor Volume ◽  
Significant Risk ◽  
Gamma Knife Surgery ◽  
Long Term Results ◽  
Therapeutic Window ◽  
Tumor Control ◽  
Tumor Control Rate ◽  
Perilesional Edema

Object Meningioma is the most frequent benign tumor treated with Gamma Knife surgery (GKS); however, the assessment of its efficacy and safety in slow-growing tumors is an ongoing process, requiring analysis of long-term results. Methods Three hundred sixty-eight patients harboring 400 meningiomas treated between 1992 and 1999 at Na Homolce Hospital were evaluated. The median patient age was 57 years (range 18–84 years). The median tumor volume was 4.4 cm3 (range 0.11–44.9 cm3). The median tumor margin dose to the 50% isodose line was 12.55 Gy (range 6.5–24 Gy). Descriptive analysis was performed in 331 patients (90%); 325 patients had a follow-up longer than 24 months (median 60 months), and six patients were included because of posttreatment complications. The volume of treated tumors decreased in 248 cases (69.7%), remained the same in 99 (27.8%), and increased in nine (2.5%). The actuarial tumor control rate was 97.9% at 5 years post-GKS. Perilesional edema after radiosurgery was confirmed on neuroim-aging in 51 patients (15.4%). The temporary and permanent morbidity rates after radiosurgery were 10.2 and 5.7%, respectively. Results A significantly higher incidence of tumor volume increase was observed in men compared with women and in tumors treated with a margin dose lower than 12 Gy. Significant risk factors for edema included an age greater than 60 years, no previous surgery, perilesional edema before radiosurgery, a tumor volume greater than 10 cm3, a tumor location in the anterior fossa, and a margin dose greater than 16 Gy. Conclusions Stereotactic radiosurgery is a safe method of treatment for meningiomas. A minimum margin dose of 12 to 16 Gy seems to represent the therapeutic window for benign meningiomas with a high tumor control rate in a mid-term follow-up period.

Gamma Knife surgery for parasellar meningiomas: long-term results including complications, predictive factors, and progression-free survival

2011 ◽  
Vol 114 (6) ◽  
pp. 1571-1577 ◽  
Author(s):  
Brian J. Williams ◽  
Chun Po Yen ◽  
Robert M. Starke ◽  
Bhuvaneswara Basina ◽  
James Nguyen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gamma Knife ◽  
Cranial Nerve ◽  
Tumor Volume ◽  
Progression Free Survival ◽  
Gamma Knife Surgery ◽  
Tumor Control ◽  
Free Survival ◽  
Factors Associated ◽  
The Mean

Object Stereotactic radiosurgery serves as an important primary and adjuvant treatment option for patients with many types of intracranial meningiomas. This is particularly true for patients with parasellar meningiomas. In this study, the authors evaluated the outcomes of Gamma Knife surgery (GKS) used to treat parasellar meningiomas. Methods The study is a retrospective review of the outcomes in 138 patients with meningiomas treated at the University of Virginia from 1989 to 2006; all patients had a minimum follow-up of 24 months. There were 31 men and 107 women whose mean age was 54 years (range 19–85 years). Eighty-four patients had previously undergone resection. The mean pre-GKS tumor volume was 7.5 ml (range 0.2–54.8 ml). Clinical and radiographic evaluations were performed, and factors related to favorable outcomes in each case were assessed. Results The mean follow-up duration was 84 months (median 75.5 months, range 24–216 months). In 118 patients (86%), the tumor volume was unchanged or had decreased at last follow-up. Kaplan-Meier analysis demonstrated radiographic progression-free survival at 5 and 10 years to be 95.4% and 69%, respectively. Fourteen patients (10%) developed new cranial nerve palsies following GKS. Factors associated with tumor control included younger age, a higher isodose, and smaller tumor volume. A longer follow-up duration was associated with either a decrease or increase in tumor volume. Fourteen patients (10%) experienced new or worsening cranial nerve deficits after treatment. Factors associated with this occurrence were larger pretreatment tumor volume, lower peripheral radiation dose, lower maximum dose, tumor progression, and longer follow-up. Conclusions Gamma Knife surgery offers an acceptable rate of tumor control for parasellar meningiomas and accomplishes this with a low incidence of neurological deficits. Radiological control after radiosurgery is more likely in those patients with a smaller tumor volume and a higher prescription dose.

Gamma knife radiosurgery for craniopharyngiomas

2000 ◽  
Vol 93 (supplement_3) ◽  
pp. 47-56 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wen-Yuh Chung ◽  
David Hung-Chi Pan ◽  
Cheng-Ying Shiau ◽  
Wan-Yuo Guo ◽  
Ling-Wei Wang
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Outcome ◽  
Gamma Knife ◽  
Tumor Volume ◽  
Gamma Knife Radiosurgery ◽  
Tumor Control ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Stereotactic Aspiration ◽  
Cystic Component ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Fine Print

Object. The goal of this study was to elucidate the role of gamma knife radiosurgery (GKS) and adjuvant stereotactic procedures by assessing the outcome of 31 consecutive patients harboring craniopharyngiomas treated between March 1993 and December 1999. Methods. There were 31 consecutive patients with craniopharyngiomas: 18 were men and 13 were women. The mean age was 32 years (range 3–69 years). The mean tumor volume was 9 cm3 (range 0.3–28 cm3). The prescription dose to the tumor margin varied from 9.5 to 16 Gy. The visual pathways received 8 Gy or less. Three patients underwent stereotactic aspiration to decompress the cystic component before GKS. The tumor response was classified by percentage reduction of tumor volume as calculated based on magnetic resonance imaging studies. Clinical outcome was evaluated according to improvement and dependence on replacement therapy. An initial postoperative volume increase with enlargement of a cystic component was found in three patients. They were treated by adjuvant stereotactic aspiration and/or Ommaya reservoir implantation. Tumor control was achieved in 87% of patients and 84% had fair to excellent clinical outcome in an average follow-up period of 36 months. Treatment failure due to uncontrolled tumor progression was seen in four patients at 26, 33, 49, and 55 months, respectively, after GKS. Only one patient was found to have a mildly restricted visual field; no additional endocrinological impairment or neurological deterioration could be attributed to the treatment. There was no treatment-related mortality. Conclusions. Multimodality management of patients with craniopharyngiomas seemed to provide a better quality of patient survival and greater long-term tumor control. It is suggested that GKS accompanied by adjuvant stereotactic procedures should be used as an alternative in treating recurrent or residual craniopharyngiomas if further microsurgical excision cannot promise a cure.

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