title: Long-term results of stereotactic proton beam radiotherapy for acoustic neuromas.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  A retrospective study evaluating the role of hypofractionated stereotactic proton beam therapy for acoustic neuromas.
  
  
  METHODS
  The data of 51 patients treated with hypofractionation (3 fractions) and followed up for a minimum of 2 years, were analyzed. Mean dose prescribed to ICRU reference point (isocenter) was 26 cobalt gray equivalent (CGyE) in 3 fractions. Mean minimum tumor dose was 21.4 CGyE/3. Cranial nerve functions were evaluated clinically. Serial MR Scans were used to evaluate local control.
  
  
  RESULTS
  With a mean clinical and radiological follow-up of 72 and 60 months respectively, the 5-year results showed a 98% local control, with a hearing preservation of 42%, a facial nerve preservation of 90.5% and a trigeminal nerve preservation of 93%.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  For those patients harboring large acoustic neuromas that are inoperable, hypofractionated stereotactic proton beam offers long-term control with minimal side-effects.
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiation Oncology, Tygerberg Hospital, Tygerberg, South Africa. fv@sun.ac.za
authors.forename: Frederik J A I
authors.initials: FJ
authors.lastname: Vernimmen
authors.forename: Zainab
authors.initials: Z
authors.lastname: Mohamed
authors.forename: Jacobus P
authors.initials: JP
authors.lastname: Slabbert
authors.forename: Jennifer
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Wilson
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D019583:Dose Fractionation, Radiation; D005155:Facial Nerve Diseases / Q000209:etiology; D005260:Female; D006309:Hearing; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009464:Neuroma, Acoustic / Q000601:surgery*; D011522:Protons; D016634:Radiosurgery / Q000009:adverse effects; D011879:Radiotherapy Dosage; D014276:Trigeminal Nerve; D020433:Trigeminal Nerve Diseases / Q000209:etiology; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D011522:Protons