title: Preliminary results of linear accelerator radiosurgery for acoustic schwannomas.
abstract: In this paper the authors evaluate the results of linear accelerator (LINAC)-based stereotactic radiosurgery for acoustic schwannomas. Fifty-six patients underwent LINAC-based stereotactic radiosurgery for acoustic schwannomas at the University of Florida between July 1988 and November 1994. Each patient was followed for a minimum of 1 year or until death; no patient was lost to follow up. One or more follow-up magnetic resonance images or computerized tomography scans were obtained in 52 of the 56 patients. Doses ranged between 10 and 22.5 Gy with 69.6% of patients receiving 12.5 to 15 Gy. Thirty-eight patients (68%) were treated with one isocenter and the dose was specified to the 80% isodose line in 71% of patients. Fifty-five patients (98%) achieved local control after treatment. The 5-year actuarial local control rate was 95%. At the time of analysis, 48 patients were alive and free of disease, seven had died of intercurrent disease, and one was alive with disease. Complications developed in 13 patients (23%). The likelihood of complications was related to the dose and treatment volume: 10 to 12.5 Gy to all volumes, three (13%) of 23 patients; 15 to 17.5 Gy to 5.5 cm3 or less, two (9%) of 23 patients; 15 to 17.5 Gy to more than 5.5 cm3, five (71%) of seven patients; and 20 to 22.5 Gy to all volumes, three (100%) of three patients. Linear accelerator-based stereotactic radiosurgery results in a high rate of local control at 5 years. The risk of complications is related to the dose and treatment volume.
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, USA.
authors.forename: W M
authors.initials: WM
authors.lastname: Mendenhall
authors.forename: W A
authors.initials: WA
authors.lastname: Friedman
authors.forename: J M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Buatti
authors.forename: F J
authors.initials: FJ
authors.lastname: Bova
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D006801:Humans; D009464:Neuroma, Acoustic / Q000601:surgery*; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D016634:Radiosurgery