Stereotactic Radiosurgery with the CyberKnife for Pituitary Adenomas.
OBJECTIVE
In recent years, CyberKnife has emerged as an important treatment modality in the management of pituitary adenomas. Treatment results after performing CyberKnife and the complications of this procedure are reviewed.


METHODS
Twenty-six patients with pituitary adenomas received stereotactic radiosurgery with the CyberKnife (CKRS). The follow-up periods ranged from 7 months to 47 months (mean+/-SD : 30+/-12.7 months). The patients consisted of 17 with non-functioning adenomas, 3 with prolactinomas and 6 with acromegaly. The change in the tumor volume, visual acuity, hormonal function, and complications by this therapy were analyzed in each case.


RESULTS
The tumor control rate was 92.3%. Hormonal function was improved in all of the 9 (100%) functioning adenomas. Hormonal normalization was observed in 4 of the 9 (44%) patients with a mean duration of 16 months. In two patients (7.6%), visual acuity worsened due to cystic enlargement of the tumor after CKRS. No other complications were observed.


CONCLUSIONS
CyberKnife is considered safe and effective in selected patients with pituitary adenomas. However, longer follow-up is required for a more complete assessment of late toxicity and treatment efficacy.
Catholic Neuroscience Center, Department of Neurosurgery, St. Mary's Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea, College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
Chul Bum
CB
Cho
Hae Kwan
HK
Park
Won Il
WI
Joo
Chung Kee
CK
Chough
Kyung Jin
KJ
Lee
Hyoung Kyun
HK
Rha