Results Of Gamma Knife Radiosurgery Research Articles

Clinical Outcomes of Gamma Knife Radiosurgery for Metastatic Brain Tumors from Gynecologic Cancer : Prognostic Factors in Local Treatment Failure and Survival.

ObjectiveBrain metastases in gynecologic cancer (ovarian, endometrial, and cervical cancer) patients are rare, and the efficacy of Gamma Knife Radiosurgery (GKRS) to treat these had not been evaluated. We assessed the efficacy of GKRS and prognostic factors for tumor control and survival in brain metastasis from gynecologic cancers.MethodsThis retrospective study was approved by the institutional review board. From May 1995 to October 2012, 26 women (mean age 51.3 years, range 27–70 years) with metastatic brain tumors from gynecologic cancer were treated with GKRS. We reviewed their outcomes, radiological responses, and clinical status.ResultsIn total 24 patients (59 lesions) were available for follow-up imaging. The median follow-up time was 9 months. The mean treated tumor volume at the time of GKRS was 8185 mm3 (range 10–19500 mm3), and the median dose delivered to the tumor margin was 25 Gy (range, 10–30 Gy). A local tumor control rate was 89.8% (53 of 59 tumors). The median overall survival was 9.5 months after GKRS (range, 1–102 months). Age-associated multivariate analysis indicated that the Karnofsky performance status (KPS), the recursive partitioning analysis (RPA) classification, and the number of treated lesions were significant prognostic factors for overall survival (HR=0.162, p=0.008, HR=0.107, p=0.038, and HR=2.897, p=0.045, respectively).ConclusionGKRS is safe and effective for the management of brain metastasis from gynecologic cancers. The clinical status of the patient is important in determining the overall survival time.

Gamma Knife Radiosurgery for Atypical and Anaplastic Meningiomas

Atypical and anaplastic meningiomas have much higher recurrence rates after surgical resection compared with benign meningiomas, but the role of adjuvant radiosurgery remains unclear. This study was undertaken to evaluate the outcomes of gamma knife radiosurgery for patients with atypical and anaplastic meningiomas. In this retrospective analysis of a prospectively maintained database, 46 patients with histologically proven atypical or anaplastic meningiomas by current World Health Organization (WHO) criteria underwent postoperative Gamma Knife radiosurgery between 1993 and 2013. The median follow-up period was 32.6 months. The median tumor volume and margin dose were 11.7 mL (range, 2-53 mL) and 13.1 Gy (range, 12.0-16.5 Gy), respectively. Local control at 3 and 5 years was 50.6% and 32.1%, respectively. Gender (P = 0.013) and marginal dose less than or equal to 13 Gy (P = 0.049) were associated with the local control. The 3- and 5-year overall survival for patients with WHO grade II was 97.1% and 88.3%, respectively, compared with 66.7% and 66.7% for patients with WHO grade III meningiomas. Radiation therapy before Gamma Knife radiosurgery (GKRS; P = 0.018) and tumor grade (P = 0.019) were the factors associated with a worse overall survival rate. Fourteen patients (30.4%) developed adverse radiation effects after GKRS treatment, and all were Radiation Therapy Oncology Group grade I. Postoperative GKRS treatment for patients with atypical and anaplastic meningioma is challenging. More aggressive treatment, including of safely maximizing the extent of surgical resection and using a higher margin dose (>13Gy), should be applied to achieve better local control.

Outcome of gamma knife radiosurgery for metastatic brain tumors derived from non-small cell lung cancer.

The purpose of this study was to analyze outcomes in patients treated with gamma knife radiosurgery (GKS) for brain metastases from non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 817 patients who underwent GKS for brain metastases from NSCLC between January 2002 and December 2012. A total of 1363 GKS procedures were performed for 2970 lesions. The median overall survival time from the initial GKS was 13 months and the salvage treatment-free survival from the first GKS was 6.5 months. Younger age (≤65 years), female sex, better RPA class, higher DS-GPA score, adenocarcinoma, synchronous onset, and lower integrated value of the "numbers and cumulative volume of tumors" were associated with better outcomes. Among the 601 patients with an available follow up image, the pattern of the first progression after initial GKS was the development of new lesions in 356 patients (59.2 %), regrowth of treated lesions in 106 patients (17.6 %), and leptomeningeal seeding (LMS) in 51 patients (8.5 %). Among the deceased, the last MRI performed prior to death was evaluated in 409 patients and showed progression in 263 patients (64.3 %), despite multiple salvage treatments. LMS was identified in 63 patients (15.4 %); a rate much higher than the incidence at first progression. Intracranial tumor burden, defined as the integrated value of the "number of the lesions and cumulative tumor volume", is a new prognostic factor of greater significance than tumor volume or number alone when analyzed as separate factors. Although the cause of death was not progression of brain lesions in the majority of patients, the brain lesions tended to have been persistently progressive in most patients, despite repeated salvage treatment. LMS is an important pattern of treatment failure, in addition to local progression or development of new lesions, particularly in the terminal phase of the disease.

Gamma Knife radiosurgery for cystic brain metastases

Objective. The goal of this study was to investigate the treatment results of Gamma Knife radiosurgery (GKRS) for cystic brain metastases and relevant factors associated with local tumor control. Materials and methods. We retrospectively reviewed the clinical, radiological, and dosimetry data of 37 cystic brain metastases of 28 patients who were treated with GKRS. Cyst drainage was performed in 8 large lesions before GKRS to decrease the target volume. The mean target volume was 4.8 (range, 0.3–15.8) cc at the time of GKRS, and the mean prescription dose was 16.6 (range, 13–22) Gy. Results. The actuarial median survival time was 17.7 ± 10.2 months, and the primary tumor status was a significant prognostic factor for survival. The actuarial local tumor control rate at 6 and 12 months was 93.1 and 82.3%, respectively. Among the various factors, only prescription dose (>15 Gy) was a significant factor related to local tumor control after multivariate analysis (p = 0.049). Cyst volume or cyst/total tumor volume ratio did not influence local control after GKRS, when the target volume was reduced to about 15 cc after cyst drainage. Conclusion. According to our results, we suggest that stereotactic radiosurgery should be considered as one of the treatment options for cystic brain metastases, when large tumor volume can be reduced by surgical drainage before radiosurgery, especially for patients with a controlled primary tumor.

Clinical and Radiologic Outcome of Gamma Knife Radiosurgery on Nonfunctioning Pituitary Adenomas.

Objective To elucidate the role of Gamma Knife radiosurgery (GKRS) in the management of nonfunctioning pituitary adenomas (NFAs). Materials and Methods A retrospective review of 57 consecutive patients spanning 2000 to 2013 with NFAs was performed. Of 57 patients, 53 patients had recurrent or residual tumors after microsurgical resection. The study population was evaluated clinically and radiographically after GKRS treatment. The median follow-up time was 45.57 months. Results GKRS in pituitary adenomas showed significant variations in tumor growth control (decreased in 32 patients [56.1%], arrested growth in 21 patients [36.1%], and increased tumor size in 4 patients [7%]). Progression-free survival after GKRS at 3, 7, and 10 years was 100%, 98%, and 90%, respectively. The neurologic signs and symptoms were significantly improved after GKRS (14% versus 107%) compared with pretreated signs and symptoms (p < 0.0001). Five patients (8.8%) required additional treatment. Conclusion Recent follow-up revealed that GKRS offers a high rate of tumor control and preservation of neurologic functions in both new and recurrent patients with NFAs. Thus GKRS is an effective treatment option for recurrent and residual as well as newly diagnosed patients with NFAs.

A new classification and clinical results of Gamma Knife radiosurgery for cavernous sinus hemangiomas: a report of 53 cases.

Cavernous sinus hemangiomas (CaSHs) are rare vascular lesions in the cavernous sinus(CS). Gamma Knife radiosurgery (GKS) provides a treatment modality alternative to microsurgery. This study was conducted to describe a new classification of CaSHs based on their magnetic resonance (MR) imaging findings and determine the efficacy and safety of GKS in a large series of CaSH patients. From April 2007 to November 2012, 53 patients harboring CaSHs were treated using Leksell Gamma Knife model C (before April 2012) or Perfexion (from May 2012 ) at the Gamma Knife Center of Huashan Hospital. Of the 53 patients, 15 with definitive histopathologic diagnoses after surgery, 38 were diagnosed based on their MR imaging findings. There were 15 male and 38 female patients with a mean age of 52 (range, 25-76) years old. The characteristics of MR images of CaSHs were their extremely high homogeneous intensity on T2-weighted and FLAIR images: as bright as cerebrospinal fluid signal. According to the relationship between the carotid line and their location, CaSHs were classified into three types: the intrasellar, parasellar and mixed type. The mean volume of the tumors was 13.2 ± 8.2 cm(3) (range, 1-41 cm(3)). A mean marginal dose of 13.3 Gy (range, 8-15 Gy) was directed to the 49%-64% isodose line (mean 53%). Of the 53 tumors, 6 (11%) were classified as intrasellar type. Eight (15%) were parasellar type and the other 39 cases(74%) mixed type. The mean radiological and clinical follow-up time of this study was 24 (range, 2-67 months) and 34 months (range, 2-73 months), respectively. The tumor control rate was 100%. The mean tumor volume reduction was 79.5% (range, 16.5%-100%) compared with the pre-GKS volume. Six months after GKS, MR imaging revealed an average of 60.2% tumor volume reduction (range, 16.5%-89.2%). Twenty-nine cases (55%) showed a >80% tumor volume decrease. Neurologically, only two of these patients showed clinical deterioration, and 33 patients demonstrated an obvious improvement in ocular or endocrine disorders. At last follow-up, there were no more complications related to GKS, and none of the tumors progressed. Our study showed that GKS is a useful and safe therapeutic method for CaSHs as both a primary and adjuvant treatment. The new classification of CaSHs may help predict their clinical course during tumor development and treatment response after GKS. Further studies with long-term follow-up and larger numbers of cases are necessary to optimize the treatment conditions and verify the benefit of this treatment.

Outcomes and predictors of improved survival after gamma knife radiosurgery for metastatic brain tumors originated from breast carcinoma.

Gamma knife radiosurgery (GKRS) has emerged as a possible treatment option for metastasis brain tumor (MBTs) originated from breast cancer. However, the intermediate or long-term outcome of GKRS on MBTs originated from breast carcinoma is not well defined. The outcome of GKRS on MBTs derived from breast carcinoma was reviewed in our institution's case series. We performed a retrospective review (2000-2013) of 50 patients with MBTs originated from breast cancer who received GKRS. Out of 50 patients, 11 patients had recurrent tumors after microsurgical resection and the other 39 patients received GKRS alone. The study population was followed clinically and radiographically after GKRS treatment. GKRS on MBTs metastasized from breast cancer showed significant variations in tumor growth control (decreased in 14 (31.9 %) patients, arrested growth in 17 (38.6 %) patients, and progressed tumor in 13 (29.5 %) patients). The overall median survival in this case series was 33 months. In our case series, overall survival rate after 5 years was 20 %, whereas progression-free survival rate after 5 years was 30 %. The prognostic factors for improving survival in the patients with MBTs from breast cancer were recursive partitioning analysis (RPA) class I (p = 0.014), age ≤65 years (p = 0.025), controlled primary tumor (p = 0.04), and single number of MBTs (p = 0.022). Recent follow-up revealed that GKRS offers good overall survival period in both new and recurrent patients with MBTs originated from breast carcinoma. Thus, GKRS is a therapeutic option for new and recurrent patients with MBTs derived from breast cancer.

Clinical outcome and complications of gamma knife radiosurgery for intracranial arteriovenous malformations

We sought to evaluate the outcome of intracranial arteriovenous malformation (AVM) treated with gamma knife radiosurgery (GKRS) (Elekta, Stockholm, Sweden) as a primary treatment as well as an adjunct therapy. GKRS has emerged as an important treatment option for intracranial AVM. However, the long term outcome of GKRS on AVM is not well understood. We performed a retrospective review of 85 patients with AVM from 2000–2012 who received GKRS. Out of 85 patients, 13 had undergone prior embolization. The study population was monitored clinically and radiographically after GKRS treatment. Outcome following GKRS for intracranial AVM showed significant variations in nidus obliteration (obliteration in 67 [79%] patients and increase of nidus size on MRI in 18 [21%] patients). The median time to nidus obliteration was 31 months. Overall two (2.3%) patients had intracranial bleeding and the annual bleeding risk was 1.6% after GKRS. Predictive factors for obliteration of the nidus in patients with AVM were low AVM score, Spetzler–Martin grade I–III and female sex. Seventeen (20%) and one (1.17%) patients underwent repeat GKRS and resection, respectively, after initial GKRS, due to increased size of the nidus and GKRS related cyst formation. Thus, GKRS offers a high obliteration rate of AVM, low risk of intracranial bleeding and neurological morbidity, both as primary modality and as an adjunctive treatment. Therefore, GKRS is an effective treatment option for new patients with AVM as well as an adjuvant therapy in patients with recurrent AVM.

Outcomes of gamma knife radiosurgery, bi-modality & tri-modality treatment regimens for patients with one or multiple brain metastases: the Columbia University Medical Center experience.

Optimal treatment of brain metastases (BMs) is debatable. However, surgery or gamma knife radiosurgery (GKRS) improves survival when combined with whole brain radiotherapy (WBRT) versus WBRT alone. We retrospectively reviewed an institutional database of patients treated with GKRS for BMs from 1998 to 2013 to explore effects of single or multi-modality therapies on survival. There were 528 patients with median age 62 years. Histologies included 257 lung, 102 breast, 62 melanoma, 40 renal cell, 29 gastrointestinal, and 38 other primary cancers. Treatments included: 206 GKRS alone, 111 GKRS plus WBRT, 109 GKRS plus neurosurgical resection (NSG), and 102 all three modalities. Median overall survival (mOS) was 16.6 months. mOS among patients with one versus multiple metastasis was 17.2 versus 16.0 months respectively (p = 0.825). For patients with one BM, mOS following GKRS alone, GKRS plus WBRT, GKRS plus NSG, and all three modalities was 9.0, 19.1, 25.5, and 25.0 months, respectively, and for patients with multiple BMs, mOS was 8.6, 20.4, 20.7, 24.5 months for the respective groups. Among all patients, multivariate analysis confirmed that tri-modality group had the longest survival (HR 0.467; 95 % CI 0.350-0.623; p < 0.001) compared to GKRS alone; however, this was not significantly different than bi-modality approaches. Uncontrolled primary extra-CNS disease, age and KPS were also independent predictors of survival. Patients treated with GKRS plus NSG, GKRS plus WBRT, or all three modalities had improved OS versus GKRS alone. In our analysis, resection and GKRS allowed avoidance of WBRT without shortening survival.

Long-Term Results of Gamma Knife Radiosurgery for Intracranial Meningioma.

BackgroundThe predominant treatment modality for meningioma is surgical resection. However, gamma knife radiosurgery is also an important treatment modality for meningioma that is small or cannot be completely removed because of its location. In this study, we evaluated the effectiveness and long-term results of radiosurgical treatment for meningioma in our institution.MethodsWe studied 628 patients (130 men and 498 women) who underwent gamma knife radiosurgery for intracranial meningioma, which is radiologically diagnosed, from Jan 2008 to Nov 2012. We included patients with single lesion meningioma, and followed up after 6 months with imaging, and then at 24 months with a clinical examination. Patients with high-grade meningioma or multiple meningiomas were excluded. We analyzed each of the factors associated with progression free survival. The median patient's age was 56.8 years. Maximal dosage was 27.8 Gy and marginal dosage was 13.9 Gy.ResultsThe overall tumor control rate was 95%. Twenty-eight patients (4.4%) showed evidence of tumor recurrence. Ninety-eight patients (15%) developed peritumoral edema (PTE) after gamma-knife surgery; two of them (2%) underwent surgical resections due to PTE. Nine patients had craniotomy and tumor removal after gamma knife surgery.ConclusionGamma knife surgery for intracranial meningioma has proven to be a safe and effective treatment tool with successful long-term outcomes. Gamma knife radiosurgery can be especially effective in cases of remnant meningioma after surgical resection or where PTE is not present.

Gamma knife radiosurgery of the symptomatic brain stem cavernous angioma with low marginal dose

ObjectiveTo analyze the outcome of gamma knife radiosurgery (GKS) using low marginal dose for the symptomatic brain stem cavernous angioma (BSCA). Methods39 patients (16 males, 23 females) were treated with GKS for BSCA from January 1997 to September 2012. Clinical data were analyzed retrospectively. The mean age was 41.5 years. All patients had a history of symptomatic bleeding once or more before performing GKS. Mean volume of BSCA was 1095.3mm3 and median prescribed marginal dose was 13Gy. ResultsMean follow-up period since diagnosis was 4.1 years. The number of hemorrhagic events between initial diagnosis and GKS was 5 over a total of 14.9 patients-years with annual hemorrhagic rate of 33.6%. Following GKS, there were five hemorrhagic events within the first 2 years (8.1%/year) and two after the first 2 years (2.4%/year). The difference was not statistically significant. Neurologic status improved in 24 patients (61.5%), and stationary in eleven (28.2%). 4 patients (10.3%) experienced the exacerbation of symptoms at the last follow-up and none of them were related to the radiation injury. Significant volume reduction after GKS was observed in 24 patients (61.5%). Surgical excision was performed in one patient due to swelling and rebleeding after GKS. Age at presentation, sex, mass size of BSCA, and location, GKS dose did not affect post-GKS hemorrhage. ConclusionsGKS for BSCA using relatively low marginal dose is safe and effective. Long-term prospective study is needed to confirm the optimal dose for BSCA.

O2.07 * FIRST 100 VESTIBULAR SCHWANNOMAS TREATED WITH GAMMA KNIFE IN SPAIN: LONG-TERM OUTCOME

INTRODUCTION: Gamma Knife radiosurgery (GKRS) has become an established treatment option for vestibular schwannomas (VS). The aim of this study was to investigate long-term results regarding tumor volume control, neurological deficits outcome, effectiveness or treatment failure requiring surgery or reirradiation. METHODS: Data from the cohort of the first 100 consecutive patients with a sporadic VS diagnosis (not Neurofibromatosis 2 related SV) treated with GKRS at our Unit between 1993 and 1997 were retrospectively reviewed from a prospectively maintained database. Six were purely intracanalicular and 94 extended into the cerebello-pontine angle, with an average volume larger than the global cohort of 877 VS. The median age at the time of treatment was 54.08 years. Twenty patients had a previous surgical resection. The median prescribed dose was 12.32 Gy. Follow-up consisted of regular MRI, and audiological and neurological examination. RESULTS: Eighty percent of the patients completed a 10 year follow-up (range 0.63-16.32); imaging tests revealed that in 72.15% of them the tumor volume decreased by a mean of 46%, after an average time of 1.85 years (range 0.5-13.06), while in 15.18% stability was observed. Hearing loss, tinnitus and dizziness, previous most common symptoms (95%, 39% and 24% respectively), did not worsen significantly after treatment. Treatment failures as tumor growth progression, occurred in 10 patients at a mean of 53 months; salvage treatment was surgery in 7 and one patient was reirradiated. As for neuropathies, none of the18 patients with a previously affected facial nerve worsened, while 3 of 26 with trigeminal nerve dysfunction did. There have been no new neuropathies, radiographic abnormalities in brain stem, second tumors or tumoral malignant transformation. CONCLUSIONS: Our long-term results of GKRS in VS show a favorable neurological outcome, maintained excellent tumor growth control, without the development of secondary tumors or malignant transformation. We recommend a prolonged follow-up to better assess GKRS results in VS treatment.

Long-term outcome of Gamma Knife radiosurgery in patients with tiny intracanalicular vestibular schwannomas detected by three-dimensional fast imaging employing steady-state acquisition magnetic resonance

ObjectiveTo evaluate the effectiveness and long-term outcome of Gamma Knife radiosurgery (GKRS) for tiny vestibular schwannomas (VSs) detected by three-dimensional fast imaging employing steady-state acquisition magnetic resonance (3D-FIESTA MR). Materials and methodsBetween January and December 2004, 3D-FIESTA MR of the brain was performed in patients who had physical health examinations at the Buddhist Tzu Chi General Hospital (Hualien, Taiwan). Tiny intracanalicular VSs (defined as a tumor volume < 0.5 cm2) was detected in 13 patients (8 women and 5 men). The mean age of the patients was 60 years (range, 45–84 years). Hearing function was graded using the Gardner–Robertson (GR) classification. Dose planning was performed on intraoperative stereotactic contrast-enhanced images using multiple 4-mm isocenters. The mean tumor volume was 0.098 cm2 (range, 0.013–0.4 cm2). The mean margin dose was 12.4 Gy (range, 11–14 Gy), and the isodose line was set at a mean of 53.8% (range, 50–70%). ResultsTwelve patients had GR Grade I or II hearing before GKRS, and GR I or II hearing was maintained in 11 patients. Facial and trigeminal nerve functions were preserved in all patients. The tumor control rate was 100% at a mean follow-up period of 9.8 ± 1.1 years (range, 76–126 months). One patient developed acute vertigo 1 day after GKRS, which subsided after short-term use of steroids and did not recur. ConclusionWith the application of 3D-FIESTA, tiny VSs can be detected early. Because low-dose (12–14 Gy) GKRS is safe and effective for long-term control of the growth of tumors with acceptable preservation rate of hearing function, it may be worthwhile to use 3D-FIESTA to detect tiny VSs and treat the patients using GKRS.

Long term outcome of Gamma Knife radiosurgery for metastatic brain tumors

Gamma Knife radiosurgery (GKRS; Elekta AB, Stockholm, Sweden) has emerged as an important treatment option for metastatic brain tumors (MBT). However, the long term outcome of GKRS on MBT is not well understood. We reviewed the treatment of MBT with GKRS at our institution. We performed a retrospective review (2000–2013) of 298 patients with MBT who received GKRS. The study population was monitored clinically and radiographically after GKRS treatment. Survival benefits and predictive factors of the outcome were analyzed using the Kaplan–Meier test and Cox regression model, respectively. GKRS in MBT showed significant variation in tumor growth control (decreased in 135 [45%] patients, arrested growth in 91 [37%] patients and increased tumor size in 72 [24%] patients). The median survival in the study population was 17months. Overall and progression free survival after 3years were 25% and 45%, respectively. The predictive factors for improving survival in the patients with MBT were recursive partitioning analysis class I (p<0.0001), absence of hydrocephalus (p<0.0001), Karnofsky Performance Status (KPS) >80 (p=0.007) and absence of recurrent MBT (p=0.01). Forty (12%), 15 (4.3%) and two (0.6%) patients required GKRS, resection and whole brain radiation, respectively, after initial GKRS due to tumor progression and worsening of signs and symptoms. Our findings revealed that GKRS offers a high rate of tumor control and good survival benefits in both new and recurrent patients with MBT. Thus, GKRS is an effective treatment option for new patients with MBT, as well as an adjuvant therapy in patients with recurrent MBT.

Results for a series of 697 arteriovenous malformations treated by gamma knife: influence of angiographic features on the obliteration rate.

Stereotactic radiosurgery (RS) is an effective tool in treating brain arteriovenous malformations (AVMs). Careful study of AVM angiographic characteristics may improve results. To report the long-term outcomes of Gamma Knife RS (GKRS) in brain AVMs, focusing on how the angioarchitectural and hemodynamic parameters of AVMs affect the post-RS results. This was a retrospective, longitudinal study of 697 consecutive GKRS treatments of brain AVMs in 662 patients performed at a single center between 1993 and 2005. The mean age of the patients was 37 years; the median AVM volume was 3.6 cm(3); and the mean follow-up was 11 years. Forty-five percent of patients presented with intracranial hemorrhage; 44% underwent embolization; and 7% had multiple RSs. AVM characteristics in the RS-planning angiograms were analyzed, and their relationship to the post-RS obliteration rate was determined by univariate and multivariate analyses. The obliteration rate after a single RS was 69.3%; after multiple RS, it was 75%. Positive predictors of obliteration included compact nidus (odds ratio = 3.16; 95% confidence interval, 1.92-5.22), undilated feeders (odds ratio = 0.36; 95% confidence interval, 0.23-0.57), smaller AVM volume (odds ratio = 0.95; 95% confidence interval, 0.92-0.99), and higher marginal dose (odds ratio = 1.16; 95% confidence interval, 1.06-1.27). Improvement or clinical stability was observed in 89.3% of patients; postprocedural bleeding was noted in 6.1%; and clinical worsening attributable to RS was seen in 3.8%. The annual risk of hemorrhage in the 4 years after RS was 1.2%. GKRS yielded a good long-term clinical outcome in most patients. Certain angiographic features of brain AVMs such as a well-defined nidus and undilated feeder arteries contribute to AVM occlusion by RS. GKRS can be regarded as the treatment of choice for AVMs <6 cm(3), even after bleeding.

Outcomes of Gamma Knife radiosurgery, bimodality, and trimodality treatment regimens for patients with one or multiple brain metastases: The Columbia University Medical Center experience.

e13032 Background: To report our Gamma Knife Radiosurgery (GKRS) outcomes for brain metastases (BM) based on different treatment modalities and number of BM. Methods: We reviewed all patients treated with GKRS at a single institution for BM from 1998 to 2013. We evaluated outcome according to number of BM, treatment modalities, and other prognostic factors. Results: There were 541 patients (231 men) with median age 62 years (range, 21-94). Histology included 264 (48.8%) lung, 99 (18.4%) breast, 69 (12.8%) melanoma, 42 (7.8%) renal cell carcinoma, 28 (5.2%) gastrointestinal, and 39 (7.2%) other primary cancers. 206 (38.1%) patients received GKRS alone, 114 (21.1%) GKRS plus whole brain radiotherapy (WBRT), 108 (20.0%) underwent GKRS plus neurosurgical resection (NSG), and 113 (20.9%) all three modalities. The median overall survival (OS) correlated with RPA Class (16.3, 10.8, and 6.05 months for classes I, II, and III, respectively (p<0.001) and GPA score (8.9, 11.7, 10.3, and 17.3 months for scores 0-1, 1...

Editorial: Gamma Knife radiosurgery and nonfunctioning pituitary adenomas

The publication of Lee et al. is a useful and well-written addition to the literature.1 They analyze, based on a review of previous studies and their own experience, the advantages and disadvantages of Gamma Knife radiosurgery (GKRS) in the treatment of patients with clinically nonfunctioning pituitary adenomas. The results of GKRS are also compared with those produced by conventional resection. Clinically nonfunctioning pituitary adenomas represent the most frequent pituitary adenoma type among pituitary tumors. Medical treatment is not available, and pituitary tumor irradiation has several significant disadvantages. Thus, the question is, Gamma Knife surgery or conventional resection? The authors conclude that in older patients (older than 70 years) and in patients with other comorbidities in whom surgical intervention is contraindicated, initial GKRS is an acceptable alternative. Obviously, as the authors emphasize, an experienced team is needed to decide which treatment to use and to undertake the GKRS. One great disadvantage of GKRS is that the tumor is not investigated by pathologists. Morphological investigation is of crucial importance. Several diseases can mimic pituitary adenomas: for example, other primary intrasellar neoplasms, metastatic tumors, inflammatory diseases, and others. We have seen several metastatic carcinomas arising from the lung, colon, and other organs, which were mis diagnosed as pituitary adenomas! Another reason morphological investigation is important is that it allows one to draw conclusions regarding the growth potential of tumor cells. We can assess the Ki 67 nuclear labeling index, a valuable method of revealing the cell proliferation rate. Maybe in the future new drugs will be developed, which will permit medical therapy. Advances in molecular/genetic methods may provide an alternative treatment option as well. Obviously, more studies are needed to decide whether one should use GKRS and in which patients. (http://thejns.org/doi/abs/10.3171/2013.10.JNS132248) Disclosure

Long-term outcome of gamma knife radiosurgery for metastatic brain tumors originating from lung cancer.

Background:Gamma knife radiosurgery (GKRS) has emerged as an important treatment option for metastasis brain tumors (MBTs). However, the long-term outcome of GKRS on MBTs originating from lung carcinoma is not well understood. The treatment of MBTs derived from lung cancer with GKRS at our institution is reviewed.Methods:We performed a retrospective review (2000-2013) of 173 patients with MBTs from lung cancer who received GKRS. Out of 173 patients, 38 patients had recurrent tumors after microsurgical resection and whole brain radiotherapy (WBT).Results:GKRS in MBTs metastasized from lung carcinoma showed significant variations in tumor growth control (decreased in 79 [45.7%] patients, arrested growth in 54 [31.2%] patients, and increased tumor size in 40 [23.1%] patients). The median survival in the study population was 14 months. Overall survival after 3 years was 25%, whereas progression-free survival after 3 years was 45%. The predictive factors for improving survival in the patients with MBTs were recursive partitioning analysis (RPA) class I (P = 0.005), absence of hydrocephalus (P = 0.001), Karnofsky performance scale (KPS) >70 (P = 0.007), age ≤65 (P = 0.041), tumor size ≤3 cm (P = 0.023), controlled primary tumor (P = 0.049), and single number of MBTS (P = 0.044).Conclusion:Long-term follow-up revealed that GKRS offers a high rate of tumor control and good overall survival period in both new and recurrent patients with MBTs originating from lung carcinoma. Thus, GKRS is an effective treatment option for new patients with MBTs from lung cancer, as well as an adjuvant therapy in patients with recurrent MBTs derived from lung cancer.

Salvage Gamma Knife Radiosurgery after failed management of bilateral trigeminal neuralgia.

Background:The incidence of bilateral trigeminal neuralgia (TN) is 1-6% of total number of TN cases. Gamma Knife Radiosurgery (GKRS) is effective in treating unilateral TN; however, outcomes of bilateral TN treated by GKRS have not been well evaluated. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the long-term GKRS outcomes of bilateral TN at our institution and compare with our published treatment outcomes of unilateral TN.Methods:Between 2000 and 2006, eight patients with bilateral TN were treated with GKRS. Data available on seven patients were collected. Facial pain outcomes were defined using the Barrow Neurological Institute pain intensity scale. Outcomes and toxicities were compared to published outcomes of unilateral TN patients treated with GKRS at our institution.Results:The incidence of bilateral TN in our series is 2.3%. Treatment outcomes were excellent in 5/14, good in 1/14, and poor in 8/14. Median follow-up time was 58 months. Median time-to-failure was 38 months. Pain control rate was 80% at 12 months and 65% at 36 months. Bothersome side effects were seen in 4/14 nerves treated. Compared with our long-term unilateral TN cohort, there was no statistically significant difference in outcome, time-to-failure, or rate of toxicity.Conclusion:Bilateral TN is rare, and effective treatment is crucial to improve the quality of life of those afflicted. Salvage GKRS is a reasonable treatment modality for individuals with bilateral TN.

Constant Face Pain in Typical Trigeminal Neuralgia and Response to Gamma Knife Radiosurgery

Background/Aims: Constant pain, especially if prominent, is sometimes considered incompatible with a diagnosis of typical idiopathic trigeminal neuralgia. This study aims to clarify the frequency of patient-reported constant pain in patients with medically intractable, typical, idiopathic trigeminal neuralgia as diagnosed with standard clinical parameters and confirmed by the response to a modified McGill questionnaire, a ‘hold-still’ test that eliminated triggers and the response to Gamma Knife radiosurgery. Method: Forty consecutive patients with typical trigeminal neuralgia were given questionnaires prior to Gamma Knife radiosurgery. Those with constant pain were further tested by being advised to hold completely still for up to 3 min. Final pain relief was evaluated after Gamma Knife radiosurgery. Results: Twenty of forty patients indicated on a questionnaire that they had constant face pain. Pain decreased on the ‘hold-still’ test on all 12 patients who were tested. Following Gamma Knife radiosurgery, there was no significant difference in pain relief in those without or with constant pain. Conclusion: Patients with typical idiopathic trigeminal neuralgia frequently report that 50% or more of their pain is constant. This constant pain is markedly decreased if the patient holds completely still for a few minutes and does not affect the outcome of Gamma Knife radiosurgery.