The role of stereotactic radiotherapy in the management of ependymomas.
BACKGROUND
Intracranial ependymomas in children have high rates of recurrence. Salvage therapy typically includes repeat resection, possibly chemotherapy, and re-irradiation. Stereotactic radiosurgery has been used for re-irradiation. It offers the theoretical advantages of delivering a high dose of radiation to a small target, providing a maximum dose to the tumor while avoiding surrounding critical brain structures and previously irradiated tissue.


CONCLUSIONS
Few reports in the literature describe this technique, with mixed, but not often successful, outcomes.
Krieger
Mark D
MD
Division of Neurosurgery, Childrens Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA. mkrieger@chla.usc.edu
McComb
J Gordon
JG
D000328:Adult; D001921:Brain / Q000528:radiation effects / Q000601:surgery; D001932:Brain Neoplasms / Q000532:radiotherapy / Q000601:surgery*; D002648:Child; D004806:Ependymoma / Q000532:radiotherapy / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D016634:Radiosurgery / Q000009:adverse effects; D016896:Treatment Outcome