Abstract

Gross total resection (GTR) of large intracranial meningiomas (LIMs) can be challenging and cause significant morbidity and mortality. The aim of this systematic review is to determine the clinical effectiveness and safety of Stereotactic Radiosurgery (SRS) either as primary or adjuvant therapy for LIMs, with tumor =2.5 cm in maximum dimension (tumor volume =8.1 cm3). A total of 452 tumors in 496 patients [350 females (69.3%) and 146 males (30.6%)] with median age 60 years (48 to 65 years) were included. The median tumor volume at the time of diagnosis was 16.7 cm3 (10 to 53.3cm3). The tumors were typically located in the skull-base (77.2%), while only 14.6% were in the supratentorial space. The median follow-up after SRS was 54 months (18-90 months). 87.8% of patients were treated with single session gamma knife radiosurgery (SS GKS), while the remaining 12.1% patients received non-single session (non-SS) GKS. Of 452 LIMs assessed for clinical response, 45.1% showed improvement, and 15.7% deteriorated after SRS. Radiographic tumor control at last follow-up (2-7.5 years) ranged from 84% to 100%. Overall, radiation-induced toxicity occurred in 23% of patients; with the most common adverse effect being cranial nerve neuropathy (5.5%) and peritumoral edema (PTE) (5.3%). Sub-group analysis revealed that there is 2-fold higher likelihood of improvement in clinical symptoms in patients with non-SS GKS than SS GKS [OR: 2.47; 95% (1.38-4.44); p=0.002].SRS is safe and effective in the treatment of LIMs as primary or adjuvant treatment. Further prospective studies are required to validate our results.

View details for DOI 10.1016/j.wneu.2019.06.064

View details for PubMedID 31226450