Stereotactic radiosurgery and radiotherapy in benign intracranial meningioma

PurposeTo investigate the role of stereotactic radio surgery (SRS) and hypo-fractionated stereotactic radiotherapy (SRT) in treatment of benign intracranial meningioma.Patients and methodsBetween 2003 and 2010, 32 patients with a median age of 44 years (range 21–67 years) were treated with SRS (n = 19), and hypo-fractionated SRT (n = 13) for intracranial meningioma. Fourteen patients underwent SRS or SRT as their primary treatment, while 18 patients underwent post operative SRS or SRT (PORT). Cumulative progression free survival, overall cumulative survival, toxicity and symptomatology were evaluated.ResultsThe median follow up period was 39 months (range 6–72 months). The 5 year overall survival and progression free survival were 90 ± 5% and 94 ± 4% after SRT or SRS respectively.Symptoms were improved or stable in 94% of patients. Acute toxicity was mild, and was seen in 41% of patients. Clinically significant late morbidity or new cranial nerve palsies did not occur.ConclusionStereotactic radio surgery (SRS) and hypo-fractionated stereotactic radiotherapy (SRT) are effective and safe treatment modality for local control of meningioma with low risk of significant late toxicity. In case of large tumor size and adjacent critical structures, hypo-fractionated SRT is highly recommended.