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Long-Term Outcomes after Radiosurgery for Acoustic Neuromas

Kenneth Blank, MD
Abramson Cancer Center of the University of Pennsylvania
Last Modified: November 1, 2001

Authors: Douglas Kondziolka, L. Dade Lunsford, Mark R. McLaughlin, John C. Flickinger
Source: New England Journal of Medicine, November 12, 1998, Vol. 339 No. 20 p1426

Background

Acoustic neuromas are benign tumors that arise along the eighth cranial nerve (also called the acoustic nerve because it innervates the ear and is responsible for hearing.)These tumors are benign tumors, which means that they do not spread to other parts of the body; however, due to their location in the brain, acoustic neuromas cancause severe morbidity. If left untreated acoustic neuromas will cause unilateral hearing loss, facial weakness and numbness, swallowing difficulties and otherdebilitating symptoms.

The treatment of acoustic neuromas has traditionally been surgery. The first such report dates back to the 19th century. Since this time the surgical technique has beengreatly refined and most modern series report excellent results following surgical extirpation. However, surgery is not without morbidity that can include total loss ofhearing on the affected side, facial weakness and numbness and the usual risks of undergoing general anesthesia. In addition, surgery does not always remove the entiretumor and, if not, these tumors can grow back. The rate of tumor recurrence in modern surgical series ranges from 0-25%.

Radiosurgery is a new treatment technique that was pioneered by Leksell in the 1980s. This technique uses high energy x-rays focused with millimeter accuracy at thetumor to kill the tumor cells. Although the term 'surgery' is in the word radiosurgery, this procedure is much different from traditional surgery. Radiosurgery does notrequire incisions - the high energy x-rays are delivered through the head to the tumor by way of a machine called a linear accelerator (or gamma knife). The patient comesinto the hospital in the morning, is fitted with a head frame, receives the radiation, and is discharged the same day or the following day. The risks attendant withconventional (open) surgery are avoided.

These obvious advantages of radiosurgery created great excitement in the late 1980s and early 1990s and many centers began programs to evaluate the efficacy of thisnew treatment. However, the long-term results using radiosurgery have yet to be reported. Therefore, the report in the November 12, 1998 issue of the New EnglandJournal of Medicine by Kondziolka and colleagues which reports on patients with over five years of follow-up is much needed.

Methods

Between 1987 and 1992 162 patients underwent radiosurgery for unilateral acoustic neuromas at the University of Pittsburgh. One quarter of these patients had previously undergone surgery only to have their tumor recur. The patients received on average 16gray of radiation, administered in one session. Tumor control was achieved in 98% of patients. The safety of radiosurgery is clearly demonstrated in this study. The most troubling acute side effect was headache and all patients were discharged to home the following day. Patients were encouraged to resume normal activities upon discharge, and the authors make special note of one patent who completed a marathon two days after undergoing radiosurgery.

Eight percent of patients retained facial nerve function (the nerve which controls the muscles in the face) and 50% had no change in hearing levels. Compared to surgery,these results are excellent. A written questionnaire was sent to patients and returned by 77 percent. Of those who had previously undergone surgery, all said thatradiosurgery was successful. Of the eighty-one patients who had not had surgery, 95% described radiosurgery as successful. Ninety-five percent of respondents said theywould recommend this procedure to a friend.

Conclusion

The authors conclude the radiosurgery provides long-term control of acoustic neuromas while preserving neurologic function.