A Novel Approach for Treatment of Uterine Fibroids: Stereotactic Radiosurgery as a Proposed Treatment Modality

Abstract

Minimally invasive therapeutic interventions and the field of stereotactic radiosurgery have advanced enormously in recent years. We briefly review the field of stereotactic radiosurgery and propose its use as a novel treatment modality for benign gynecologic conditions such as uterine fibroids. Computerized searches of Medline and PubMed were conducted using the key words “stereotactic radiosurgery,” “CyberKnife®,” “uterine fibroids,” and “radiation therapy.” References from identified sources were manually searched to allow for a thorough review. Data from relevant sources was compiled to create this review article. Stereotactic techniques have not only significantly reshaped the field of neurosurgery from open to noninvasive treatment, but also has impacted the field of radiation oncology by improving precision and reducing radiation exposure of normal tissues. Stereotactic radiation has proven to be a safe and effective method for the treatment of both benign and malignant conditions. Over the past two decades, new technologies have expanded the application of stereotactic radiosurgery to include spinal, renal, cardiac, lung, liver, prostate, and gynecologic cancers, and very recently even for the treatment of some non-neoplastic conditions such as cardiac arrhythmias. With success in so many disciplines, it is proposed that stereotactic radiosurgery may be a promising tool for the treatment of benign gynecologic conditions. Additional clinical experience is needed to further define the safety and efficacy of this proposed new treatment paradigm.