Background: Paragangliomas are highly vascular and predominantly benign neoplasms that traditionally have been treated by surgery, embolization, and/or external beam radiotherapy. The aim of this study was to evaluate long-term local tumor control and the safety of radiosurgery for head and neck paragangliomas.
Methods: Data were obtained from prospectively maintained databases of patients affected by brain tumors treated with radiosurgery at our institution. The inclusion criteria were histologically proven or radiologic-suspected diagnosis of paragangliomas; a follow-up period of at least 12 months, an magnetic resonance imaging-based tumor growth control analysis and a signed written consent. Twenty patients (21 paragangliomas) met the eligibility criteria and were included in the present study. All patients were clinically and radiologically evaluated before and after treatment.
Results: The mean follow-up at the time of the present analysis was 46 months. Seven patients had a follow-up longer than 60 months. Seven lesions underwent a single-session radiosurgery with a mean dose of 12.2 Gy (range 11-13 Gy). Fourteen lesions underwent multisession radiosurgery with a mean dose of 25.7 Gy (range 20-30 Gy) delivered in 3-5 fractions. The mean tumor volume for single-session radiosurgery was 4 cc (range 1.4-9.2). The mean volume for multisession radiosurgery was 18.9 cc (range 1.3-50.9). None of the lesions showed progression on radiology during the follow-up period. Neurologic conditions generally are maintained or improved.
Conclusions: Both single and multisession radiosurgery were confirmed as a safe and effective treatment modality for paragangliomas. Multisession radiosurgery appears effective to treat large lesions.
Keywords: CyberKnife; Head and neck; Hypofraction; Paraganglioma; Radiosurgery.
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