Stereotactic radiosurgery for meningiomas.
Meningiomas are benign tumors attached to the dura that typically have a slow growth rate. After gliomas, they are the most common primary tumor of the brain. They are ideal radiobiological targets because single-fraction radiation has a high biologically effective dose. Furthermore, a highly conformal radiation plan can provide effective treatment to the tumor while sparing the surrounding brain. Meningioma control rates range from 90 to 95%, and the risk of morbidity is low. Radiosurgery is an excellent treatment for asymptomatic, small- to moderate-sized meningiomas. It is also ideal for patients with incompletely resected meningiomas, recurrent meningiomas, and risk factors precluding conventional surgery.
Chin
Lawrence S
LS
Department of Neurosurgery, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA. lchin@smail.umaryland.edu
Szerlip
Nicholas J
NJ
Regine
William F
WF
D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008577:Meningeal Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D008579:Meningioma / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D011859:Radiography; D016634:Radiosurgery / Q000379:methods* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data