Microsurgical management of spinal schwannomas: evaluation of 128 cases

2008 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 40-47 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sam Safavi-Abbasi ◽  
Mehmet Senoglu ◽  
Nicholas Theodore ◽  
Ryan K. Workman ◽  
Alireza Gharabaghi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Karnofsky Performance Scale ◽  
Anatomical Location ◽  
Motor Weakness ◽  
Muscle Testing ◽  
Spinal Axis ◽  
Patient Groups ◽  
Grade 3 ◽  
Performance Scale

Object The authors conducted a study to evaluate the clinical characteristics and surgical outcomes in patients with spinal schwannomas and without neurofibromatosis (NF). Methods The data obtained in 128 patients who underwent resection of spinal schwannomas were analyzed. All cases with neurofibromas and those with a known diagnosis of NF Type 1 or 2 were excluded. Karnofsky Performance Scale (KPS) scores were used to compare patient outcomes when examining the anatomical location and spinal level of the tumor. The neurological outcome was further assessed using the Medical Research Council (MRC) muscle testing scale. Results Altogether, 131 schwannomas were treated in 128 patients (76 males and 52 females; mean age 47.7 years). The peak prevalence is seen between the 3rd and 6th decades. Pain was the most common presenting symptom. Gross-total resection was achieved in 127 (97.0%) of the 131 lesions. The nerve root had to be sacrificed in 34 cases and resulted in minor sensory deficits in 16 patients (12.5%) and slight motor weakness (MRC Grade 3/5) in 3 (2.3%). The KPS scores and MRC grades were significantly higher at the time of last follow-up in all patient groups (p = 0.001 and p = 0.005, respectively). Conclusions Spinal schwannomas may occur at any level of the spinal axis and are most commonly intradural. The most frequent clinical presentation is pain. Most spinal schwannomas in non-NF cases can be resected totally without or with minor postoperative deficits. Preoperative autonomic dysfunction does not improve significantly after surgical management.

Craniofacial approaches to large juvenile angiofibromas

2011 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 71-78 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Yashar S. Kalani ◽  
Maziyar A. Kalani ◽  
Samuel Kalb ◽  
Felipe C. Albuquerque ◽  
Cameron G. McDougall ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Average Duration ◽  
Karnofsky Performance Scale ◽  
Preoperative Embolization ◽  
Large Juvenile ◽  
Csf Leakage ◽  
Scale Scores ◽  
Duration Of Hospitalization ◽  
Performance Scale ◽  
Related Mortality

Object Craniofacial approaches provide excellent exposure to lesions in the anterior and middle cranial fossae. The authors review their experience with craniofacial approaches for resection of large juvenile nasopharyngeal angiofibromas. Methods Between 1992 and 2009, 22 patients (all male, mean age 15 years, range 9–27 years) underwent 30 procedures. These cases were reviewed retrospectively. Results Gross-total resection of 17 (77%) of the 22 lesions was achieved. The average duration of hospitalization was 8.2 days (range 3–20 days). The rate of recurrence and/or progression was 4 (18%) of 22, with recurrences occurring a mean of 21 months after the first resection. All patients underwent preoperative embolization. Nine patients (41%) developed complications, the most common of which was CSF leakage (23%). The average follow-up was 27.7 months (range 2–144 months). The surgery-related mortality rate was 0%. Based on their mean preoperative (90) and postoperative (90) Karnofsky Performance Scale scores, 100% of patients improved or remained the same. Conclusions The authors' experience shows that craniofacial approaches provide an excellent avenue for the resection of large juvenile nasopharyngeal angiofibromas, with acceptable rates of morbidity and no deaths.

Treatment of childhood glial tumors with cisplatin and irinotecan

2009 ◽  
Vol 27 (15_suppl) ◽  
pp. 10062-10062
Author(s):  
J. Mora ◽  
O. Cruz ◽  
A. Parareda ◽  
A. Guillen ◽  
R. Puy ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Symptoms ◽  
Objective Response ◽  
Prospective Trial ◽  
Glial Tumors ◽  
Clinical Responses ◽  
Grade 3 ◽  
Extent Of Surgical Resection ◽  
Objective Functional

10062 Background: Childhood glial tumors are heterogeneous neoplasias for which non-surgical management is controversial. After a pilot study suggesting that irinotecan/cisplatin (I/C) may be effective in children (Mora et al, Neuro Oncol 2007), we initiated a phase II prospective trial with the aim of avoiding radiation therapy for low grade's (LG) and improve outcome for high grade's (HG). Methods: The indication for adjuvant therapy was based upon histology, the extent of surgical resection, and the presence of clinical or neuroradiological signs of progression. Weekly Irinotecan (50 mg/m2 and 65 mg/m2 the last 2 cycles) and Cisplatin (30 mg/m2) for four consecutive weeks (1 cycle), and a total of 4 cycles was used. Results: From January 2004 to December 2007, 30 children aged 6 months to 17 years were treated, 21 at diagnosis, 7 at progression and 2 at relapse. Fourteen tumors were WHO grades I-II gliomas (LGG), 10 grade III (6 gliomas, 2 anaplastic ependymomas and 2 AT/RT), and 6 had no biopsy (3 brainstem (BST) and 3 optic-pathway tumors (OPT)). Two patients had type-1 neurofibromatosis and OPT. Primary sites included: 4 supratentorial, 8 BST, 9 OPT, 2 cerebellar, and 7 spinal. Prior to the I/C regimen, gross total resection was performed in 7 and biopsy in 14 tumors; 9 patients received chemotherapy and 5 radiotherapy. All but 6 patients, 2 because of C allergy and 4 BST because of progression, completed the protocol, with no grade 3–4 side effects. Vomiting was the main side effect. Twenty (90%) of 22 patients with evaluable clinical symptoms had a complete and rapid response, with objective functional recovery. With a median follow-up of 25 months, 14 (47%) patients had a complete/partial response (7 out of 10 HG), 10 (40%) had stable disease (8 out of 14 LG), and 6 (20%) progressed (all BST). Five patients died of disease, all BST. Twenty-five (83%) patients remain progression-free, median 27 months from protocol entry. Conclusions: Seventy percent objective response rate for HG and avoidance of radiotherapy for 93% of LG was obtained using the I/C regimen. Remarkable fast clinical responses and functional recoveries occurred. No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Long-Term Results of Stereotactic Radiosurgery for Skull Base Meningiomas

Neurosurgery ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 79 (1) ◽  
pp. 58-68 ◽  
Author(s):  
Or Cohen-Inbar ◽  
Cheng-chia Lee ◽  
David Schlesinger ◽  
Zhiyuan Xu ◽  
Jason P. Sheehan
Keyword(s):  
Skull Base ◽  
Tumor Volume ◽  
World Health ◽  
Tumor Control ◽  
Karnofsky Performance Scale ◽  
Health Organization ◽  
Skull Base Meningiomas ◽  
Performance Scale

Abstract BACKGROUND: Gamma knife radiosurgery (GKRS) is well established in the management of inaccessible, recurrent, or residual benign skull base meningiomas. Most series report clinical outcome parameters and complications in the short intermediate period after radiosurgery. Reports of long-term tumor control and neurological status are still lacking. OBJECTIVE: To report the presentation, treatment, and long-term outcome of skull base meningiomas after GKRS. METHODS: From a prospectively collected institutional review board-approved database, we selected patients with a World Health Organization grade I skull base meningioma treated with a single-session GKRS and a minimum of 60 months follow-up. One hundred thirty-five patients, 54.1% males (n = 73), form the cohort. Median age was 54 years (19–80). Median tumor volume was 4.7 cm3 (0.5–23). Median margin dose was 15 Gy (7.5–36). Median follow-up was 102.5 months (60.1–235.4). Patient and tumor characteristics were assessed to determine the predictors of neurological function and tumor progression. RESULTS: At last follow-up, tumor volume control was achieved in 88.1% (n = 119). Post-GKRS clinical improvement or stability was reported in 61.5%. The 5-, 10-, and 15-year actuarial progression-free survival rates were 100%, 95.4%, and 68.8%, respectively. Favorable outcome (both tumor control and clinical preservation/improvement) was attained in 60.8% (n = 79). Pre-GKRS performance status (Karnofsky Performance Scale) was shown to influence tumor progression (P = .001) and post-GKRS clinical improvement/preservation (P = .003). CONCLUSION: GKRS offers a highly durable rate of tumor control for World Health Organization grade I skull base meningiomas, with an acceptably low incidence of neurological deficits. The Karnofsky Performance Scale at the time of radiosurgery serves as a reliable long-term predictor of overall outcome.

Long-term outcome of Gamma Knife stereotactic radiosurgery for arteriovenous malformations graded by the Spetzler-Martin classification

2013 ◽  
Vol 118 (1) ◽  
pp. 74-83 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael T. Koltz ◽  
Adam J. Polifka ◽  
Andreas Saltos ◽  
Robert G. Slawson ◽  
Young Kwok ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Stereotactic Radiosurgery ◽  
Arteriovenous Malformations ◽  
Lesion Size ◽  
Karnofsky Performance Scale ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Gamma Knife Stereotactic Radiosurgery ◽  
Karnofsky Performance Scale Score ◽  
Performance Scale

Object The object of this study was to assess outcomes in patients with arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) treated by Gamma Knife stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS); lesions were stratified by size, symptomatology, and Spetzler-Martin (S-M) grade. Methods The authors performed a retrospective analysis of 102 patients treated for an AVM with single-dose or staged-dose SRS between 1993 and 2004. Lesions were grouped by S-M grade, as hemorrhagic or nonhemorrhagic, and as small (< 3 cm) or large (≥ 3 cm). Outcomes included death, morbidity (new neurological deficit, new-onset seizure, or hemorrhage/rehemorrhage), nidus obliteration, and Karnofsky Performance Scale score. Results The mean follow-up was 8.5 years (range 5–16 years). Overall nidus obliteration (achieved in 75% of patients) and morbidity (19%) correlated with lesion size and S-M grade. For S-M Grade I–III AVMs, nonhemorrhagic and hemorrhagic combined, treatment yielded obliteration rates of 100%, 89%, and 86%, respectively; high functional status (Karnofsky Performance Scale Score ≥ 80); and 1% mortality. For S-M Grade IV and V AVMs, outcomes were less favorable, with obliteration rates of 54% and 0%, respectively. The AVMs that were not obliterated had a mean reduction in nidus volume of 69% (range 35%–96%). On long-term follow-up, 10% of patients experienced hemorrhage/rehemorrhage (6% mortality rate), which correlated with lesion size and S-M grade; the mean interval to hemorrhage was 81 months. Conclusions For patients with S-M Grade I–III AVMs, SRS offers outcomes that are favorable and that, except for the timing of obliteration, appear to be comparable to surgical outcomes reported for the same S-M grades. Staged-dose SRS results in lesion obliteration in half of patients with S-M Grade IV lesions.

Current Surgical Outcomes for Cranial Base Chordomas

Neurosurgery ◽  
2011 ◽  
Vol 70 (6) ◽  
pp. 1355-1360 ◽  
Author(s):  
Salvatore Di Maio ◽  
Robert Rostomily ◽  
Laligam N. Sekhar
Keyword(s):  
Skull Base ◽  
Surgical Resection ◽  
Cranial Base ◽  
Controlled Study ◽  
Karnofsky Performance Scale ◽  
Free Survival ◽  
Entire Cohort ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Performance Scale

Abstract BACKGROUND: Chordomas of the skull base are locally aggressive neoplasms for which maximal surgical resection confers prolonged survival. OBJECTIVE: To present the largest consecutive surgical series of cranial base chordomas to date, including complications, functional outcome, and overall (OS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS) in early and late eras of our experience. METHODS: From 1988 to 2011, 95 patients with cranial base chordomas were treated, including 56 patients from 1988 to 1999 and 39 from 2000 to 2011. Mean age and average follow-up were 42.6 ± 16.8 years and 38.3 ± 38.5 months, respectively. A historically controlled study design was implemented comparing both eras with respect to 5-year OS, RFS, Karnofsky performance scale at last-follow-up, and complications. RESULTS: Mean 5-year OS and RFS for the entire cohort was 74% ± 6% and 56% ± 8%, respectively. Complete resection rates were similar between groups (68% and 74%, respectively; P = .494). In the 2000 to 2011 era, overall (26%), cranial nerve (10%), vascular (3%), and systemic (0%) complications were less frequent than in the 1988 to 1999 era. Patients in the 2000 to 2011 era were 1.50 times more likely to have a Karnofsky performance scale ≥70 than in the 1988 to 1999 era (95% confidence interval 1.15-1.94; P = .003). There was no significant difference in 5-year RFS between the 1988 to 1999 and 2000 to 2011 eras. Five-year OS was higher in the 2000 to 2011 era (93% ± 6% vs 64% ± 8% for the 1988-1999 era; P = .012). CONCLUSION: Aggressive surgical resection implementing contemporary skull base approaches can be performed with an acceptable complication profile with preservation of functional status, while conferring a similar OS and RFS.

Gamma Knife radiosurgery to the surgical cavity following resection of brain metastases

2009 ◽  
Vol 111 (3) ◽  
pp. 431-438 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jay Jagannathan ◽  
Chun-Po Yen ◽  
Dibyendu Kumar Ray ◽  
David Schlesinger ◽  
Rod J. Oskouian ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Brain Metastasis ◽  
Local Tumor Control ◽  
Gross Total Resection ◽  
Tumor Control ◽  
Karnofsky Performance Scale ◽  
Total Resection ◽  
Resection Cavity ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Performance Scale

Object This study evaluated the efficacy of postoperative Gamma Knife surgery (GKS) to the tumor cavity following gross-total resection of a brain metastasis. Methods A retrospective review was conducted of 700 patients who were treated for brain metastases using GKS. Forty-seven patients with pathologically confirmed metastatic disease underwent GKS to the postoperative resection cavity following gross-total resection of the tumor. Patients who underwent subtotal resection or who had visible tumor in the resection cavity on the postresection neuroimaging study (either CT or MR imaging with and without contrast administration) were excluded. Radiographic and clinical follow-up was assessed using clinic visits and MR imaging. The radiographic end point was defined as tumor growth control (no tumor growth regarding the resection cavity, and stable or decreasing tumor size for the other metastatic targets). Clinical end points were defined as functional status (assessed prospectively using the Karnofsky Performance Scale) and survival. Primary tumor pathology was consistent with lung cancer in 19 cases (40%), melanoma in 10 cases (21%), renal cell carcinoma in 7 cases (15%), breast cancer in 7 cases (15%), and gastrointestinal malignancies in 4 cases (9%). The mean duration between resection and radiosurgery was 15 days (range 2–115 days). The mean volume of the treated cavity was 10.5 cm3 (range 1.75–35.45 cm3), and the mean dose to the cavity margin was 19 Gy. In addition to the resection cavity, 34 patients (72%) underwent GKS for 116 synchronous metastases observed at the time of the initial radiosurgery. Results The mean radiographic follow-up duration was 14 months (median 10 months, range 4–37 months). Local tumor control at the site of the surgical cavity was achieved in 44 patients (94%), and tumor recurrence at the surgical site was statistically related to the volume of the surgical cavity (p = 0.04). During follow-up, 34 patients (72%) underwent additional radiosurgery for 140 new (metachronous) metastases. At the most recent follow-up evaluation, 11 patients (23%) were alive, whereas 36 patients had died (mean duration until death 12 months, median 10 months). Patients who showed good systemic control of their primary tumor tended to have longer survival durations than those who did not (p = 0.004). At the last clinical follow-up evaluation, the mean Karnofsky Performance Scale score for the overall group was 78 (median 80, range 40–100). Conclusion: Radiosurgery appears to be effective in terms of providing local tumor control at the resection cavity following resection of a brain metastasis, and in the treatment of synchronous and metachronous tumors. These data suggest that radiosurgery can be used to prevent recurrence following gross-total resection of a brain metastasis.

scholarly journals Prognostic factors associated with pain palliation after spine stereotactic body radiation therapy

2015 ◽  
Vol 23 (5) ◽  
pp. 620-629 ◽  
Author(s):  
Varun Puvanesarajah ◽  
Sheng-fu Larry Lo ◽  
Nafi Aygun ◽  
Jason A. Liauw ◽  
Ignacio Jusué-Torres ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Prognostic Factors ◽  
Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy ◽  
Spinal Metastases ◽  
Spinal Tumors ◽  
Karnofsky Performance Scale ◽  
Biologically Effective Dose ◽  
Pain Palliation ◽  
Number Of Patients ◽  
Performance Scale

OBJECT The number of patients with spinal tumors is rapidly increasing; spinal metastases develop in more than 30% of cancer patients during the course of their illness. Such lesions can significantly decrease quality of life, often necessitating treatment. Stereotactic radiosurgery has effectively achieved local control and symptomatic relief for these patients. The authors determined prognostic factors that predicted pain palliation and report overall institutional outcomes after spine stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT). METHODS Records of patients who had undergone treatment with SBRT for either primary spinal tumors or spinal metastases from June 2008 through June 2013 were retrospectively reviewed. Data were collected at the initial visit just before treatment and at 1-, 3-, 6-, and 12-month follow-up visits. Collected clinical data included Karnofsky Performance Scale scores, pain status, presence of neurological deficits, and prior radiation exposure at the level of interest. Radiation treatment plan parameters (dose, fractionation, and target coverage) were recorded. To determine the initial extent of epidural spinal cord compression (ESCC), the authors retrospectively reviewed MR images, assessed spinal instability according to the Bilsky scale, and evaluated lesion progression after treatment. RESULTS The study included 99 patients (mean age 60.4 years). The median survival time was 9.1 months (95% CI 6.9–17.2 months). Significant decreases in the proportion of patients reporting pain were observed at 3 months (p < 0.0001), 6 months (p = 0.0002), and 12 months (p = 0.0019) after treatment. Significant decreases in the number of patients reporting pain were also observed at the last follow-up visit (p = 0.00020) (median follow-up time 6.1 months, range 1.0–56.6 months). Univariate analyses revealed that significant predictors of persistent pain after intervention were initial ESCC grade, stratified by a Bilsky grade of 1c (p = 0.0058); initial American Spinal Injury Association grade of D (p = 0.011); initial Karnofsky Performance Scale score, stratified by a score of 80 (p = 0.002); the presence of multiple treated lesions (p = 0.044); and prior radiation at the site of interest (p < 0.0001). However, when multivariate analyses were performed on all variables with p values less than 0.05, the only predictor of pain at last follow-up visit was a prior history of radiation at the site of interest (p = 0.0038), although initial ESCC grade trended toward significance (p = 0.073). Using pain outcomes at 3 months, at this follow-up time point, pain could be predicted by receipt of radiation above a threshold biologically effective dose of 66.7 Gy. CONCLUSIONS Pain palliation occurs as early as 3 months after treatment; significant differences in pain reporting are also observed at 6 and 12 months. Pain palliation is limited for patients with spinal tumors with epidural extension that deforms the cord and for patients who have previously received radiation to the same site. Further investigation into the optimal dose and fractionation schedule are needed, but improved outcomes were observed in patients who received radiation at a biologically effective dose (with an a/b of 3.0) of 66.7 Gy or higher.

scholarly journals Gamma Knife radiosurgery for intracranial benign meningiomas: follow-up outcome in 130 patients

2019 ◽  
Vol 46 (6) ◽  
pp. E7 ◽  
Author(s):  
Youlin Ge ◽  
Dong Liu ◽  
Zhiyuan Zhang ◽  
Yanhe Li ◽  
Yiguang Lin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Tumor Volume ◽  
Gamma Knife Radiosurgery ◽  
Progression Free Survival ◽  
Neurological Symptoms ◽  
Karnofsky Performance Scale ◽  
Free Survival ◽  
Function Preservation ◽  
Karnofsky Performance Scale Score ◽  
Performance Scale

OBJECTIVEThe authors retrospectively analyzed the follow-up data in 130 patients with intracranial benign meningiomas after Gamma Knife radiosurgery (GKRS), evaluated the tumor progression-free survival (PFS) rate and neurological function preservation rate, and determined the predictors by univariate and multivariate survival analysis.METHODSThis cohort of 130 patients with intracranial benign meningiomas underwent GKRS between May 2012 and May 2015 at the Second Hospital of Tianjin Medical University. The median age was 54.5 years (range 25–81 years), and women outnumbered men at a ratio of 4.65:1. All clinical and radiological data were obtained for analysis. No patient had undergone prior traditional radiotherapy or chemotherapy. The median tumor volume was 3.68 cm3 (range 0.23–45.78 cm3). A median margin dose of 12.0 Gy (range 10.0–16.0 Gy) was delivered to the tumor with a median isodose line of 50% (range 50%–60%).RESULTSDuring a median follow-up of 36.5 months (range 12–80 months), tumor volume regressed in 37 patients (28.5%), was unchanged in 86 patients (66.2%), and increased in 7 patients (5.4%). The actuarial tumor progression-free survival (PFS) rate was 98%, 94%, and 87% at 1, 3, and 5 years, respectively, after GKRS. Tumor recurred in 7 patients at a median follow-up of 32 months (range 12–56 months). Tumor volume ≥ 10 cm3 (p = 0.012, hazard ratio [HR] 8.25, 95% CI 1.60–42.65) and pre-GKRS Karnofsky Performance Scale score < 90 (p = 0.006, HR 9.31, 95% CI 1.88–46.22) were independent unfavorable predictors of PFS rate after GKRS. Of the 130 patients, 101 (77.7%) presented with one or more neurological symptoms or signs before GKRS. Neurological symptoms or signs improved in 40 (30.8%) patients, remained stable in 83 (63.8%), and deteriorated in 7 (5.4%) after GKRS. Two (1.5%) patients developed new cranial nerve (CN) deficit. Tumor volume ≥ 10 cm3 (p = 0.042, HR = 4.73, 95% CI 1.06–21.17) and pre-GKRS CN deficit (p = 0.045, HR = 4.35, 95% CI 0.84–22.48) were independent unfavorable predictors for improvement in neurological symptoms or signs. Six (4.6%) patients developed new or worsening peritumoral edema with a median follow-up of 4.5 months (range 2–7 months).CONCLUSIONSGKRS provided good local tumor control and high neurological function preservation in patients with intracranial benign meningiomas. Patients with tumor volume < 10 cm3, pre-GKRS Karnofsky Performance Scale score ≥ 90, and no pre-GKRS CN deficit (I–VIII) can benefit from stereotactic radiosurgery. It can be considered as the primary or adjuvant management of intracranial benign meningiomas.

Embolization of Spinal Cord Arteriovenous Shunts: Morphological and Clinical Follow-up and Results—Review of 69 Consecutive Cases

Neurosurgery ◽  
2003 ◽  
Vol 53 (1) ◽  
pp. 40-50 ◽  
Author(s):  
Georges Rodesch ◽  
Michel Hurth ◽  
Beatrice Ducot ◽  
Hortensia Alvarez ◽  
Philippe David ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Spinal Cord ◽  
Endovascular Treatment ◽  
Scale Score ◽  
Karnofsky Performance Scale ◽  
Arteriovenous Shunts ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Acrylic Glue ◽  
Karnofsky Performance Scale Score ◽  
Performance Scale

Abstract OBJECTIVE We sought to analyze the results of embolization in patients with intradural spinal cord arteriovenous shunts. METHODS The clinical and radiological files of 69 of a population of 155 patients treated with embolization between 1981 and 1999 were reviewed retrospectively. The patients' clinical status was evaluated according to Karnofsky Performance Scale score. Twenty-one (14%) of 155 patients were treated surgically because they were thought to be poor candidates for embolization. Twenty-four (15%) of 155 patients were considered untreatable with surgery or embolization; in these patients, follow-up was proposed, but only 8 of them were followed appropriately and remained stable after the first consultation. Forty-one (26%) of 155 patients consulted our group, but no follow-up could be obtained. In 69 (45%) of 155 patients, comprising 20 children and 49 adults, endovascular treatment was performed with the patients under general anesthesia and without provocative tests, mainly with acrylic glue, in 99% of these patients. RESULTS The mean number of diagnostic and therapeutic sessions was 3.5 per patient, and the mean number of pure therapeutic sessions was 1.5 per patient. Follow-up ranged between 6 months and 18 years (mean, 5.6 yr). In 16% of patients, anatomic obliteration of spinal cord arteriovenous shunts was obtained. Embolization reduced more than 50% of the spinal cord arteriovenous shunts in 86% of cases. No recanalization was noted on follow-up angiograms. Good clinical outcomes were obtained in 83% of the patients: 15% of them were asymptomatic, 43% were improved, and 25% were stable. In 4% of patients, embolization failed to stabilize the disease. Transient deficits were seen after embolization in 14% of the patients, and permanent severe complications occurred in 4% of the patients (Karnofsky Performance Scale score ≤70). Mild worsening was seen in 9% of the patients (Karnofsky Performance Scale score, 80). No bleeding or rebleeding was seen after endovascular treatment was considered to have been completed. CONCLUSION This study proves that embolization with acrylic glue is a therapeutic option that compares favorably with surgery or embolization with other agents (particles, coils, or balloons). It offers stable long-term clinical results, despite not necessarily achieving total cure. Studies of larger series with longer follow-up are necessary to confirm these encouraging therapeutic data.

Gamma knife radiosurgery for brain metastases: prognostic factors for survival and local control

2000 ◽  
Vol 93 (supplement_3) ◽  
pp. 23-29 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dong Gyu Kim ◽  
Hyun-Tai Chung ◽  
Ho-Shin Gwak ◽  
Sun Ha Paek ◽  
Hee-Won Jung ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Prognostic Factors ◽  
Local Control ◽  
Tumor Volume ◽  
Gamma Knife Radiosurgery ◽  
Karnofsky Performance Scale ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Karnofsky Performance Scale Score ◽  
Performance Scale ◽  
Fine Print

Object. The authors conducted an analysis of prognostic factors for patient survival and local control of brain metastases after gamma knife radiosurgery. Methods. In the survival analysis, 53 consecutive patients with 121 lesions treated in the last 2 years were examined. Common primary sites were lung (26 patients), kidney (seven), breast (three), and colon (three). Patient age ranged from 28 to 75 years (median 58 years) and the female/male ratio was 1:0.9. The median tumor volume was 2.1 cm3 (range 0.02–45.5cm3) and the average prescription dose was 15.4 Gy to the 50% isodose. The median follow up was 12 months (range 1–23 months) and the median survival was 46 weeks. Six-month and 1-year survival rates were 63% and 39%, respectively. Karnofsky Performance Scale score, tumor volume, and presence of extracranial disease were statistically significant prognostic factors (p < 0.05) for survival in multivariate analysis. Number of lesions, patient age, and adjuvant whole-brain radiation therapy were not statistically significant. Ninety-one of 121 lesions with follow-up images were included in the local control analysis. The 1-year actuarial local control rate was 48%. In multivariate analysis smaller volume was associated with better control (p = 0.0043), and, control period of renal cell carcinoma was shorter than that of the other tumor types (p = 0.0070). Conclusions. Karnofsky Performance Scale score, tumor volume, controlled primary cancer, and absence of extracranial metastases were associated with longer survival in the present study. For local control, tumor volume was a statistically significant factor.

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