Stereotactic fractionated radiotherapy for recurrent capillary hemangioma of the cavernous sinus.
OBJECTIVE
Capillary hemangioma of the cavernous sinus is a rare benign skull base tumor that can successfully be treated with radiotherapy. Due to its location, both the tumor itself and the treatment might cause significant functional deficits. Therefore, the different treatment options should be discussed with the patients.


METHODS
A case of successful stereotactic fractionated radiotherapy (SFRT) performed after multiple recurrences is described. A 62-year-old male patient with a hemangioma of the right cavernous sinus, orbita and suprasellar region who had previously undergone three surgical procedures received postoperative SFRT for the residual tumor (target volume 85 cm3, Figure 1). SFRT was administered 5 months after surgery with single daily fractions of 2 Gy to a total dose of 40 Gy.


RESULTS
No acute or late toxicity of SFRT was observed. Symptomatic improvement was evident 6 months after SFRT. Imaging over a 20-month period showed a continuous and pronounced decrease in residual tumor size (Figure 2).


CONCLUSIONS
Postoperative SFRT with moderate doses is well tolerated and might induce both symptomatic and radiologic improvement of large capillary hemangioma.
Grosu
Anca L
AL
Department of Radiation Oncology, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Germany.
Nieder
Carsten
C
D002426:Cavernous Sinus / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D019583:Dose Fractionation, Radiation; D018324:Hemangioma, Capillary / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011859:Radiography; D016896:Treatment Outcome