Gamma Knife surgery for trigeminal pain caused by benign brain tumors

2008 ◽  
Vol 109 (Supplement) ◽  
pp. 154-159 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chuan-Fu Huang ◽  
Hsien-Tang Tu ◽  
Wen-Shan Liu ◽  
Long-Yau Lin
Keyword(s):  
Pain Relief ◽  
Tumor Growth ◽  
Gamma Knife ◽  
Benign Tumor ◽  
Gamma Knife Surgery ◽  
Trigeminal Pain ◽  
Facial Numbness ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Mean Time

Object The authors report the effects of Gamma Knife surgery (GKS) on benign tumor–related trigeminal pain in patients who underwent follow-up for a mean 57.8 months. Methods From 1999 to 2004, 21 patients with benign tumor–related trigeminal pain (12 meningiomas and 9 schwannomas) underwent GKS as a primary or repeated treatment. These patients harbored tumors within the radiosurgical target area. For meningiomas, the mean radiosurgical treatment volume was 8.2 ml (range 1.1–21 ml), and the mean radiosurgical tumor margin dose was 12.7 Gy (range 12–15 Gy); for schwannomas, the mean volume was 5.6 ml (range 2–9.2 ml), and the mean marginal dose was 13 Gy (range 11.5–16 Gy). Seven patients underwent retreatment for recurrent or persistent pain; the ipsilateral trigeminal nerve or ganglion was identified and a mean maximal dose of 60.7 Gy (range 40–70 Gy) was delivered to these targets. In 1 patient undergoing retreatment, the margin dose was 12 Gy. The mean age at the time of radiosurgery was 54.5 years (range 18–79 years). Results The mean follow-up period was 57.8 months (range 36–94 months). Overall, 12 (57%) of 21 patients experienced pain relief without medication after the first GKS and the mean time to drug discontinuation was 10.5 months (range 2–24 months). Initial pain improvement was noted in 17 patients (81%) with a mean time of 3.7 months (range 1 week–10 months) after GKS. Eight patients underwent repeated GKS for persistent and recurrent pain. Four patients (50%) had complete pain relief. The final results of the first and repeated GKS were excellent in 16 patients (76%), and in only 1 patient did GKS fail, and this patient later underwent open surgery. For all 21 patients (100%), control of tumor growth was documented at a mean of 46 months after GKS. Three of 6 patients with pre-GKS facial numbness reported improvement, but 4 suffered new facial numbness after repeated GKS. Conclusions Gamma Knife surgery appears to be an effective tool to treat benign tumor–related trigeminal pain and control tumor growth. Repeated GKS targeting the trigeminal root or ganglion can be considered a tool to enhance the efficacy of pain management if pain persists or recurs, but the optimum treatment dose needs further investigation.

Gamma Knife surgery used as primary and repeated treatment for idiopathic trigeminal neuralgia

2008 ◽  
Vol 109 (Supplement) ◽  
pp. 179-184 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chuan-Fu Huang ◽  
Hsien-Tang Tu ◽  
Wen-Shan Liu ◽  
Shyh-Ying Chiou ◽  
Long-Yau Lin
Keyword(s):  
Pain Relief ◽  
Trigeminal Neuralgia ◽  
Gamma Knife ◽  
Gamma Knife Surgery ◽  
Repeated Treatment ◽  
Maximal Dose ◽  
Idiopathic Trigeminal Neuralgia ◽  
Facial Numbness ◽  
The Mean

Object The purpose of this study was to assess the outcome of idiopathic trigeminal neuralgia (TN) treated with Gamma Knife surgery (GKS) as a primary and repeated treatment modality with a mean follow-up of 5.7 years. Methods Between July 1999 and September 2005, a total of 89 patients with idiopathic TN underwent GKS as a primary treatment. The entry zone of the TN was targeted with a 4-mm collimator and treated with a maximal dose of 60–90 Gy (mean 79 Gy). The dose to the pontine margin was always kept < 15 Gy. Twenty patients received repeated GKS for recurrent or residual pain with a maximal dose of 40–76 Gy (mean 52 Gy). For the second procedure, the target was positioned at the same location as the first treatment. Results The mean follow-up period was 68 months (range 32–104 months). Sixty-nine (77.5%) of the 89 patients experienced a favorable response, as follows: 50 (56%) had excellent, 12 (13.5%) had good, and 7 (7.8%) had fair outcomes. The mean time to pain relief was 1.1 months (range 2 days–6 months). No significant correlation, but more likely a tendency, was found between the dose and pain relief (p = 0.08). Also, no correlation was noted for facial numbness (p = 0.77). The mean follow-up period after repeated GKS was 60 months (range 32–87 months). Outcomes after repeated GKS were excellent in 11 patients (55%) and good in 1 (5%). Seven patients experienced facial numbness. No correlation was found between the additive dose and pain relief (p = 0.24) or facial numbness (p = 0.15). Final outcomes of primary and repeated GKS were excellent in 61 (68.5%), good in 13 (14.6%), and fair in 7 (7.9%). In total, 91% of the patients were successfully treated with this method. There was no statistical significance for efficacy between primary and repeated GKS (p = 0.65), but there was a significant difference for facial numbness (p = 0.007). Conclusions Gamma Knife surgery established durable pain relief when used as a primary and repeated surgery. Treatment was successful for a total of 91% of patients at a mean follow-up of 5.7 years, but facial numbness was also relatively higher.

scholarly journals Gamma Knife surgery for hemifacial spasm related to cerebellopontine angle tumors

2012 ◽  
Vol 117 (Special_Suppl) ◽  
pp. 170-174 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cheng-Siu Chang ◽  
Chun-Chao Chuang ◽  
Ming-Fan Wu ◽  
Wen-Shan Liu ◽  
Hsien-Tang Tu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Tumor Growth ◽  
Gamma Knife ◽  
Hemifacial Spasm ◽  
Cerebellopontine Angle ◽  
Benign Tumor ◽  
Gamma Knife Surgery ◽  
The Other ◽  
Treatment Volume ◽  
The Mean

Object Most cases of tumor-related hemifacial spasm (HFS) are treated by open surgery. The authors report the effects of Gamma Knife surgery (GKS) on benign tumor–related HFS at a mean follow-up time of 84 months. Methods Between 2000 and 2011, 6 patients (5 women and 1 man) harboring single tumors of the cerebellopontine angle (4 meningiomas and 2 vestibular schwannomas [VSs]) and experiencing HFS underwent GKS as a primary treatment. The mean age of the patients at the time of radiosurgery was 52.7 years (range 45–60 years). The patients' tumors lay within the radiosurgical target area. In the 4 cases of meningioma, the mean radiosurgical treatment volume was 5.3 cm3 (range 1.2–9.6 cm3), and the mean radiosurgical tumor margin dose was 14.1 Gy (range 12–18 Gy); in the 2 cases of VS, the treatment volume was 2.5 cm3 in 1 patient and 11.2 cm3 in the other, and the margin doses were 11.5 and 12 Gy, respectively. The mean duration of HFS symptoms was 15.5 months (range 3–36 months). Results The mean follow-up period was 84 months (range 40–110 months). Overall, 4 (66%) of the 6 patients experienced complete relief from HFS without medication after GKS and 1 patient obtained a good outcome. The mean time for improvement to be realized was 12.6 months (range 3–24 months). Only 1 patient failed to experience relief from HFS, and coincidentally, the tumor did not shrink in that case. In all 6 patients (100%), tumor growth was controlled at a mean follow-up of 56 months after GKS: in 5 patients the tumor had decreased in size and in the other patient the tumor size remained unchanged. No new neurological deficit was noted after GKS, and 1 patient with facial numbness reported improvement after tumor shrinkage. Conclusions Gamma Knife surgery appears to be effective in treating benign tumor–related HFS and in controlling tumor growth. A reduction in tumor volume is related to spasm improvement. Although a time latency for spasm relief is associated with GKS, minimal side effects are expected.

Clinical outcomes after Gamma Knife surgery for idiopathic trigeminal neuralgia: review of 76 consecutive cases

2008 ◽  
Vol 109 (Supplement) ◽  
pp. 173-178 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marcos Dellaretti ◽  
Nicolas Reyns ◽  
Gustavo Touzet ◽  
Thierry Sarrazin ◽  
François Dubois ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pain Relief ◽  
Trigeminal Neuralgia ◽  
Gamma Knife ◽  
Gamma Knife Surgery ◽  
Retrospective Evaluation ◽  
Previous Surgery ◽  
Idiopathic Trigeminal Neuralgia ◽  
Facial Numbness ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Low Rate

Object Stereotactic radiosurgery is an increasingly used, and the least invasive, surgical option for patients with trigeminal neuralgia (TN). In this study, the authors performed a retrospective evaluation of the safety and efficacy of this method for idiopathic TN. Methods The authors reviewed data from 76 patients with idiopathic TN who underwent Gamma Knife surgery (GKS). The mean age of the patients was 64 years (range 27–83 years). All patients had typical features of TN. Thirty patients (39.5%) had previously undergone surgery. The intervention consisted of GKS on the retrogasserian cisternal portion of the fifth cranial nerve. The mean maximum GKS dose used was 85.1 Gy (range 75–90 Gy). Results Patients were followed-up from 6 to 42 months (mean 20.3 months) after GKS. Complete pain relief was achieved in 83.1% of the patients within 1 year, 70.9% within 2 years, and 62.5% within 3 years. Patients who underwent previous surgery demonstrated a lower rate of pain relief (p < 0.05). Twenty patients (26.3%) reported pain recurrence between 6 and 42 months after treatment. New or worsened persistent trigeminal dysfunction developed after GKS in 16 patients (21%); 8 of these patients described some facial numbness/not bothersome, and 8 reported some facial numbness/somewhat bothersome. None of the patients developed troublesome dysesthesia or anesthesia dolorosa. Conclusions Gamma Knife surgery for idiopathic TN proved to be safe and effective and was associated with a particularly low rate of complications.

Gamma Knife surgery for recurrent or residual trigeminal neuralgia after a failed initial procedure

2010 ◽  
Vol 113 (Special_Supplement) ◽  
pp. 172-177 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chuan-Fu Huang ◽  
Shyh-Ying Chiou ◽  
Ming-Fang Wu ◽  
Hsien-Tang Tu ◽  
Wen-Shan Liu
Keyword(s):  
Pain Relief ◽  
Trigeminal Neuralgia ◽  
Gamma Knife ◽  
Pain Control ◽  
Initial Treatment ◽  
Gamma Knife Surgery ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Facial Numbness ◽  
Initial Procedure

Object The purpose of this study was to assess outcomes of Gamma Knife surgery (GKS) as a second treatment for recurrent or residual trigeminal neuralgia (TN) after failure of 3 initial procedures: microvascular decompression (MVD), GKS, and percutaneous radiofrequency rhizotomy (PRR). Methods Between 1999 and 2008, 65 patients (31 men [48%] and 34 women [52%]) with recurrent TN were treated with GKS. All 65 patients had undergone previous medical procedures that failed to achieve sufficient pain relief: 27 patients (42%) had undergone MVD, 8 (12%) had undergone PRR, and 30 (46%) had undergone GKS as the initial treatment. The entry zone of the trigeminal nerve was targeted using a 4-mm collimator and treated with 35–90 Gy. The isocenter was positioned so that the brainstem surface was usually irradiated at an isodose no greater than 20% (59 patients) to 30% (6 patients). The median duration of TN symptoms in these patients was 39 months (range 1–192 months). Results At the clinical evaluation, 42 patients (65%) with idiopathic TN reported successful pain control at a median follow-up point of 64 months (range 18–132 months). Of these patients, 33 (51%) were no longer using medication. At the 1-, 2-, and 3-year follow-up examinations, 74%, 71%, and 66% of patients experienced successful pain control, respectively. There was no significant difference in pain relief in the initial MVD group compared with the initial GKS and initial PRR groups (74% vs 59% and 50%, respectively; p = 0.342). Recurrence of pain was noted in 23 patients. Twelve of these 23 patients underwent another GKS, resulting in pain control in 8 patients (67%); 8 other patients underwent MVD, resulting in pain relief in 7 patients (87.5%). The median time from GKS to pain recurrence was 7 months (range 3–48 months). There was no significant difference in new facial numbness among the 3 groups (p = 0.24); however, in the initial GKS group, facial numbness was significantly associated with freedom from pain (p = 0.0012). There was a significant correlation between the total radiation dose and facial numbness. The cutoff value for facial numbness ranged from 115 to 120 Gy (p = 0.037). Conclusions Gamma Knife surgery as a second treatment achieved acceptable levels of pain control in 65% of patients with residual or recurrent TN after long-term follow-up. Initial treatment was not a factor that affected pain control, but salvage surgery may be considered separately for each group.

Repeated Gamma Knife surgery for refractory trigeminal neuralgia

2006 ◽  
Vol 105 (Supplement) ◽  
pp. 99-102 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chuan-Fu Huang ◽  
Jim-Chao Chuang ◽  
Hsien-Tang Tu ◽  
Long-Yau Lin
Keyword(s):  
Pain Relief ◽  
Trigeminal Neuralgia ◽  
Gamma Knife ◽  
Prospective Trial ◽  
Late Complications ◽  
Gamma Knife Surgery ◽  
Dose Effect ◽  
Duration Of Symptoms ◽  
Facial Numbness

ObjectRepeated Gamma Knife surgery (GKS) for trigeminal neuralgia (TN) is an acceptable method for refractory cases but not well established in terms of dose effect and nerve tolerance. The authors report their experience in 28 patients over 3.5 years of follow up.MethodsBetween 1999 and 2004, a total of 28 patients with recurrent or residual TN underwent repeated GKS. The median follow-up periods were 52 and 43 months after the first and repeated procedures, respectively. The entry zone of the trigeminal nerve was targeted using a 4-mm collimator and treated with 40 to 76 Gy as maximal dose. Additive doses ranged between 110 and 152 Gy. The median duration of symptoms was 4.86 years. There were 12 women (46%) and 16 men (54%).At the last evaluation, a total of 19 patients (68%) reported pain relief. Of these patients, 13 were no longer taking pain medications. Significant recurrent or residual pain was noted in nine patients after a median follow up of 12 months (range 6–48 months). New onset of facial numbness was noted in 10 patients. An additive dose above 115 Gy was found to be associated with facial numbness and nonfacial numbness (p = 0.047). No definite additive dose correlation with pain relief was noted (p = 0.23).Conclusions Repeated GKS established durable pain relief in a majority of patients, and a higher additive dose (> 115 Gy) tended to cause facial numbness. However, a prospective trial is needed to fully assess the efficacy and late complications of GKS.

Wait-and-see strategy compared with proactive Gamma Knife surgery in patients with intracanalicular vestibular schwannomas

2010 ◽  
Vol 113 (Special_Supplement) ◽  
pp. 105-111 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jean Régis ◽  
Romain Carron ◽  
Michael C. Park ◽  
Outouma Soumare ◽  
Christine Delsanti ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Tumor Growth ◽  
Treatment Failure ◽  
Gamma Knife ◽  
Tumor Size ◽  
Gamma Knife Surgery ◽  
Vestibular Schwannomas ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Wait And See ◽  
The Mean

Object The roles of the wait-and-see strategy and proactive Gamma Knife surgery (GKS) in the treatment paradigm for small intracanalicular vestibular schwannomas (VSs) is still a matter of debate, especially when patients present with functional hearing. The authors compare these 2 methods. Methods Forty-seven patients (22 men and 25 women) harboring an intracanalicular VS were followed prospectively. The mean age of the patients at the time of inclusion was 54.4 years (range 20–71 years). The mean follow-up period was 43.8 ± 40 months (range 9–222 months). Failure was defined as significant tumor growth and/or hearing deterioration that required microsurgical or radiosurgical treatment. This population was compared with a control group of 34 patients harboring a unilateral intracanalicular VS who were consecutively treated by GKS and had functional hearing at the time of radiosurgery. Results Of the 47 patients in the wait-and-see group, treatment failure (tumor growth requiring treatment) was observed in 35 patients (74%), although conservative treatment is still ongoing for 12 patients. Treatment failure in the control (GKS) group occurred in only 1 (3%) of 34 patients. In the wait-and-see group, there was no change in tumor size in 10 patients (21%), tumor growth in 36 patients (77%), and a mild decrease in tumor size in 1 patient (2%). Forty patients in the wait-and-see group were available for a hearing level study, which demonstrated no change in Gardner-Robertson hearing class for 24 patients (60%). Fifteen patients (38%) experienced more than 10 db of hearing loss and 2 of them became deaf. At 3, 4, and 5 years, the useful hearing preservation rates were 75%, 52%, and 41% in the wait-and-see group and 77%, 70%, and 64% in the control group, respectively. Thus, the chances of maintaining functional hearing and avoiding further intervention were much higher in cases treated by GKS (79% and 60% at 2 and 5 years, respectively) than in cases managed by the wait-and-see strategy (43% and 14% at 2 and 5 years, respectively). Conclusions These data indicate that the wait-and-see policy exposes the patient to elevated risks of tumor growth and degradation of hearing. Both events may occur independently in the mid-term period. This information must be presented to the patient. A careful sequential follow-up may be adopted when the wait-and-see strategy is chosen, but proactive GKS is recommended when hearing is still useful at the time of diagnosis. This recommendation may be a main paradigm shift in the practice of treating intracanalicular VSs.

Stereotactic gamma knife surgery for trigeminal neuralgia: detailed analysis of treatment response

2005 ◽  
Vol 102 (3) ◽  
pp. 442-449 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rabih G. Tawk ◽  
Mary Duffy-Fronckowiak ◽  
Bryan E. Scott ◽  
Ronald A. Alberico ◽  
Aidnag Z. Diaz ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pain Relief ◽  
Trigeminal Neuralgia ◽  
Treatment Response ◽  
Gamma Knife ◽  
Gamma Knife Surgery ◽  
Limiting Factors ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Facial Numbness ◽  
Fine Print

Object. The purpose of this study was to assess the durability and completeness of pain relief in patients treated using stereotactic gamma knife surgery (GKS) for trigeminal neuralgia (TN). Methods. Thirty-eight patients with refractory TN were treated with stereotactic GKS. All patients received a prescription radiation dose of 35, 40, or 45 Gy to the 50% isodose surface through a 4-mm collimator helmet. The group was assessed regularly based on physician-directed interviews for a median follow up of 24 months (range 6–27 months). Pain relief was classified as excellent (no pain without medication), good (well-controlled pain with continued medication), fair (decreased but residual pain with continued medication), or poor (unimproved or increased pain with the same or increased medication). Three months after treatment, pain relief was good or excellent in 71% of patients. By 24 months post-GKS, 50% of the original cohort had poor pain relief, 21% continued to have either excellent or good relief, 3% had fair relief, and 26% had not reached the 24-month follow up. Based on their status at the last follow up, 29% of patients had excellent and 16% had good pain relief. Thirty-seven percent experienced facial numbness, which was dose related. In addition, there was a significantly higher rate of complete pain relief in patients who had facial numbness following treatment (p = 0.003). Conclusions. Stereotactic GKS is an effective treatment in patients with TN; however, the durability of pain relief and the time to treatment response are limiting factors. As with other types of ablative treatment, facial numbness is strongly associated with better treatment response.

Gamma Knife surgery for invasive pituitary macroadenoma

2006 ◽  
Vol 105 (Supplement) ◽  
pp. 26-30 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mooseong Kim ◽  
Sunghwa Paeng ◽  
Seyoung Pyo ◽  
Yeonggyun Jeong ◽  
Sunil Lee ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gamma Knife ◽  
Cavernous Sinus ◽  
Pituitary Adenomas ◽  
Gamma Knife Surgery ◽  
Tumor Control ◽  
Pituitary Macroadenoma ◽  
Female Ratio ◽  
Fractionated Radiotherapy ◽  
The Mean

ObjectPituitary adenomas have been treated using a variety of modalities including resection, medication, fractionated radiotherapy, and stereotactic radiosurgery. The policy has been that all adenomas should first be treated with resection to reduce the volume of the tumor. The authors' study was conducted to determine the efficacy of using Gamma Knife surgery (GKS) for pituitary adenomas invading the cavernous sinus.MethodsOf 397 patients with pituitary tumors who underwent GKS between October 1994 and October 2005, 68 patients had pituitary macroadenomas invading the cavernous sinus. Sixty-seven cases were available for follow up. The mean age of the patients in these cases was 42.8 years (range 14–73 years). The male/female ratio was 0.8:1. The mean adenoma volume was 9.3 cm3. A total of 24 patients had undergone craniotomies and resection, and 11 patients had undergone transsphenoidal surgery prior to GKS. The mean follow-up period was 32.8 months. Tumor control was defined as a decrease or no change in tumor volume after GKS. Endocrinological improvement was defined as a decline in hormone levels to below 50% of the pre-GKS level.Tumor control was achieved in 95.5% of the cases. Endocrinological improvement was achieved in 68% of 25 patients. One patient suffered hypopituitarism after GKS.Conclusions Gamma Knife surgery is a safe and effective treatment for invasive pituitary macroadenoma with few complications.

Gamma knife surgery for cavernous hemangiomas: an analysis of 125 patients

2005 ◽  
Vol 102 (Special_Supplement) ◽  
pp. 81-86 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kang-Du Liu ◽  
Wen-Yuh Chung ◽  
Hsiu-Mei Wu ◽  
Cheng-Ying Shiau ◽  
Ling-Wei Wang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gamma Knife ◽  
Gamma Knife Surgery ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Cavernous Hemangiomas ◽  
Rebleeding Rate ◽  
Radiation Induced ◽  
Bleeding Episodes ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Fine Print

Object. The authors sought to determine the value of gamma knife surgery (GKS) in the treatment of cavernous hemangiomas (CHs). Methods. Between 1993 and 2002, a total of 125 patients with symptomatic CHs were treated with GKS. Ninety-seven patients presented with bleeding and 45 of these had at least two bleeding episodes. Thirteen patients presented with seizures combined with hemorrhage, and 15 patients presented with seizures alone. The mean margin dose of radiation was 12.1 Gy and the mean follow-up time was 5.4 years. In the 112 patients who had bled the number of rebleeds after GKS was 32. These rebleeds were defined both clinically and based on magnetic resonance imaging for an annual rebleeding rate of 32 episodes/492 patient-years or 6.5%. Twenty-three of the 32 rebleeding episodes occurred within 2 years after GKS. Nine episodes occurred after 2 years; thus, the annual rebleeding rate after GKS was 10.3% for the first 2 years and 3.3% thereafter (p = 0.0038). In the 45 patients with at least two bleeding episodes before GKS, the rebleeding rate dropped from 29.2% (55 episodes/188 patient-years) before treatment to 5% (10 episodes/197 patient-years) after treatment (p < 0.0001). Among the 28 patients who presented with seizures, 15 (53%) had good outcomes (Engel Grades I and II). In this study of 125 patients, symptomatic radiation-induced complications developed in only three patients. Conclusions. Gamma knife surgery can effectively reduce the rebleeding rate after the first symptomatic hemorrhage in patients with CH. In addition, GKS may be useful in reducing the severity of seizures in patients with CH.

P14.67 Long-term results of gamma knife radiosurgery for treatment of intracranial glomus jugulare tumors

2021 ◽  
Vol 23 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. ii50-ii51
Author(s):  
R M Emad Eldin ◽  
K M Abdel Karim ◽  
A M N El-Shehaby ◽  
W A Reda ◽  
A M Nabeel ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Improvement ◽  
Gamma Knife ◽  
Tumor Volume ◽  
Gamma Knife Radiosurgery ◽  
Long Term Results ◽  
Glomus Jugulare ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Mean Time

Abstract BACKGROUND Glomus Jugulare tumors are benign but locally aggressive ones that represent a therapeutic challenge. Previous studies about the use of Gamma Knife Radiosurgery (GRS) in those tumors have documented good results that needed larger number of patients and longer follow up periods to be confirmed. MATERIAL AND METHODS Between August 2001 and December 2017, 70 patients with glomus jugulare tumors were treated at the Gamma Knife Center, Cairo. They were 46 females and 24 males. The mean age was 48 years (16–71 years). Nineteen of these patients were previously operated, 5 were partially embolized, 3 underwent embolization and subsequent surgery and 43 had gamma knife as their primary treatment. Volume-staged gamma knife radiosurgery was used in 10 patients and single-session in 60 patients, with a total of 86 sessions. The mean target volume was 12.7 cm3 (range 0.2 to 34.5 cm3). The mean tumor volume was 15.5 cm3 (range 0.2 to 105 cm3). The mean prescription dose was 14.5 Gy (range 12 to 18 Gy). RESULTS The mean follow up period was 60 months (range 18 to 206 months), and by the time of the data analysis, two of the patients were dead (66 and 24 months after GK treatment). The tumor control was 98.6% (69/70). Thirty-two tumors became smaller and 37 were unchanged. The symptoms improved in 36 patients, were stable in 32 patients, and worsened in 2 patients who developed a transient facial palsy and worsened hearing. Symptomatic improvement began before any reduction in tumor volume could be detected, where the mean time to clinical improvement was 7 months whereas the mean time to tumor shrinkage was 18 months. CONCLUSION This study about the long term follow up of the GKR for the intracranial glomus jugulare tumors confirmed that this is a highly effective and safe treatment. This data shows that the clinical improvement is not correlated with the radiological volume reduction.

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