Outcome Evaluation of Repeat Stereotactic Radiosurgery for Cerebral Arteriovenous Malformations.

BACKGROUND: Repeat stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) for persistent cerebral arteriovenous malformation (AVM) has generally favorable patient outcomes. However, reporting studies are limited by small patient numbers and single-institution biases. The purpose of this study was to provide the combined experience of multiple centers, in an effort to fully define the role of repeat SRS for patients with arteriovenous malformation. METHODS: This multicenter, retrospective cohort study included patients treated with repeat, single-fraction SRS between 1987 and 2022. Follow-up began at repeat SRS. The primary outcome was a favorable patient outcome, defined as a composite of nidus obliteration in the absence of hemorrhage or radiation-induced neurological deterioration. Secondary outcomes were obliteration, hemorrhage risk, and symptomatic radiation-induced changes. Competing risk analysis was performed to compute yearly rates and identify predictors for each outcome. RESULTS: The cohort comprised 505 patients (254 [50.3%] males; median [interquartile range] age, 34 [15] years) from 14 centers. The median clinical and magnetic resonance imaging follow-up was 52 (interquartile range, 61) and 47 (interquartile range, 52) months, respectively. At last follow-up, favorable outcome was achieved by 268 (53.1%) patients (5-year probability, 50% [95% CI, 45%-55%]) and obliteration by 300 (59.4%) patients (5-year probability, 56% [95% CI, 51%-61%]). Twenty-eight patients (5.6%) experienced post-SRS hemorrhage with an annual incidence rate of 1.38 per 100 patient-years. Symptomatic radiation-induced changes were evident in 28 (5.6%) patients, with most occurring in the first 3 years. Larger nidus volumes (between 2 and 4 cm3, subdistribution hazard, 0.61 [95% CI, 0.44-0.86]; P=0.005; >4 cm3, subdistribution hazard, 0.47 [95% CI, 0.32-0.7]; P<0.001) and brainstem/basal ganglia involvement (subdistribution hazard, 0.6 [95% CI, 0.45-0.81]; P<0.001) were associated with reduced probability of favorable outcome. CONCLUSIONS: Repeat SRS confers reasonable obliteration rates with a low complication risk. With most complications occurring in the first 3 years, extending the latency period to 5 years generally increases the rate of favorable patient outcomes and reduces the necessity of a third intervention.

Intracranial intraoperative radiotherapy (IORT): evaluation of electrocorticography and peri-operative seizure risk.

BACKGROUND: Intra-operative radiotherapy (IORT) for brain metastases (BMs) and primary brain tumors has emerged as an adjuvant radiation modality that allows for consolidation of care into a single anesthetic episode with surgical resection. Yet, there is a paucity of data regarding the impact that IORT may have on peri-operative and long-term seizure risk. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of patients receiving IORT during tumor resection was performed via registry including data regarding peri-operative anti-seizure medications and anesthetic agents. Intra-operative neuromonitoring was performed using electrocorticography (ECoG) captured before-, during-, and after-IORT then analyzed for evidence of seizure or significant baseline changes. Kaplan-Meir estimations were used for overall survival analysis relative to documented clinical seizure incidence post-IORT. RESULTS: Of the 24 consecutive patients treated with IORT during tumor resection included, 18 (75%) patients were diagnosed with BMs while 6 (25%) had newly-diagnosed glioblastoma. Mean and median survival times were 487 and 372 days, respectively. Clinical seizures occurred in 3 patients post-IORT, 2 BMs patients within 9 months and 1 glioblastoma patient at 14 months. IORT time represented 9.5% of anesthetic time. ECoG recordings were available for 5 patients (4 BMs; 1 glioblastoma), with mean recording durations of 13% of the total anesthetic time and no evidence of high-frequency oscillations or seizure activity. CONCLUSIONS: IORT is an option for delivery of definitive radiation in surgically resected brain tumors without increasing the peri-operative or long-term risk of seizure. ECoG data during the delivery of radiation fail to demonstrate any electrophysiological changes in response to ionizing radiation.

Stereotactic radiosurgery for Koos grade IV vestibular schwannoma in patients ≥ 65 years old: a multi-institutional retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: Surgery is the preferred treatment for large vestibular schwannomas (VS). Good tumor control and cranial nerve outcomes were described in selected Koos IV VS after single-session stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS), but outcomes in elderly patients have never been specifically studied. The aim of this study is to report clinical and radiological outcomes after single-session SRS for Koos IV VS in patients ≥ 65 years old. METHOD: This multicenter, retrospective study included patients ≥ 65 years old, treated with primary, single-session SRS for a Koos IV VS, and at least 12 months of follow-up. Patients with life-threatening or incapacitating symptoms were excluded. Tumor control rate, hearing, trigeminal, and facial nerve function were studied at last follow-up. RESULTS: One-hundred and fifty patients (median age of 71.0 (IQR 9.0) years old with a median tumor volume of 8.3 cc (IQR 4.4)) were included. The median prescription dose was 12.0 Gy (IQR 1.4). The local tumor control rate was 96.0% and 86.2% at 5 and 10 years, respectively. Early tumor expansion occurred in 6.7% and was symptomatic in 40% of cases. A serviceable hearing was present in 16.1% prior to SRS and in 7.4% at a last follow-up of 46.5 months (IQR 55.8). The actuarial serviceable hearing preservation rate was 69.3% and 50.9% at 5 and 10 years, respectively. Facial nerve function preservation or improvement rates at 5 and 10 years were 98.7% and 91.0%, respectively. At last follow-up, the trigeminal nerve function was improved in 14.0%, stable in 80.7%, and worsened in 5.3% of the patients. ARE were noted in 12.7%. New hydrocephalus was seen in 8.0% of patients. CONCLUSION: SRS can be a safe alternative to surgery for selected Koos IV VS in patients ≥ 65 years old. Further follow-up is warranted.

Stereotactic radiosurgery for Koos grade IV vestibular schwannoma in young patients: a multi-institutional study.

PURPOSE: Surgery is the treatment of choice for large vestibular schwannomas (VS). Stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) has been suggested as an alternative to resection in selected patients. However, the safety and efficacy of SRS in Koos grade IV patients ≤ 45 years old has not been evaluated. The aim of this study is to describe the clinical and radiological outcomes of Koos grade IV in young patient managed with a single-session SRS. METHODS: This retrospective, multicenter analysis included SRS-treated patients, ≤ 45 years old presenting with non-life threatening or incapacitating symptoms due to a Koos Grade IV VS and with follow-up ≥ 12 months. Tumor control and neurological outcomes were evaluated. RESULTS: 176 patients [median age of 36.0 (IQR 9) and median tumor volume of 9.3 cm3 (IQR 4.7)] were included. The median prescription dose was 12 Gy (IQR 0.5). Median follow-up period was 37.5 (IQR 53.5) months. The 5- and 10-year progression-free survival was 90.9% and 86.7%. Early tumor enlargement occurred in 10.9% of cases and was associated with tumor progression at the last follow-up. The probability of serviceable hearing preservation at 5- and 10-years was 56.8% and 45.2%, respectively. The probability of improvement or preservation of facial nerve function was 95.7% at 5 and 10-years. Adverse radiation effects were noted in 19.9%. New-onset hydrocephalus occurred in 4.0%. CONCLUSION: Single-session SRS is a safe and effective alternative to surgical resection in selected patients ≤ 45 years old particularly those with medical co-morbidities and those who decline resection. Longer term follow up is warranted.

Telemedicine for Cranial Radiosurgery Patients in a Rural U.S. Population: Patterns and Predictors of Patient Utilization.

Introduction: Telemedicine retains potential for increasing access to specialty providers in underserved and rural communities. COVID-19 accelerated adoption of telehealth beyond rural populations, serving as a primary modality of patient-provider encounters for many nonemergent diagnoses. Methods: From 2020 to 2021, telemedicine was incorporated in management of stereotactic radiosurgery patients. Retrospective data on diagnoses, demographics, distance to primary clinic, and encounter type were captured and statistically analyzed using descriptive measures and Cox proportional regression modeling. Graphical representation of service areas was created using geo-mapping software. Results: Patients (n = 208) completed 331 telemedicine encounters over 12 months. Metastases and meningiomas comprised 60% of diagnoses. Median age was 62 years with median household income and residential population of $44,752 and 7,634 people. The one-way mean and median travel distances were 74.6 and 66.3 miles. The total potential road mileage for all patients was 44,596 miles. A total of 118 (57%) patients completed video visits during the first encounter, whereas 90 (43%) opted for telephone encounters. At 12 months, 138 patients (66%) utilized video visits and 70 (34%) used telephone visits. Predictors of video visit use were video-enabled visit during the first encounter (hazard ratio [HR] 2.806, p < 0.001), total potential distance traveled (HR 1.681, p < 0.05), and the need for more than one visit per year (HR 2.903, p < 0.001). Discussion: Telemedicine can be effective in radiosurgery practice with predictors of video-enabled use being pre-existing patient comfort levels with videoconferencing, total annual travel distance, and number of visits per year. Age, rural population status, and household income did not impact telemedicine use in our patient cohort.

Heterogeneity of radiation response in mesenchymal subtype glioblastoma: molecular profiling and reactive oxygen species generation.

BACKGROUND: Radiotherapy-induced tumor death remains critical in the successful first-line management of glioblastoma, whereas resistance to radiation serves as a major factor in disease progression. Mesenchymal shift has been identified as a driver in GBM recurrence, with gene expression associated with enhanced repair of macromolecular damage caused by radiation. METHODS: Using distinct mesenchymal subtype GBM cells lines, radiation response was assessed by clonogenic assay and orthotopic mouse tumor model. RNA-sequencing was performed in the setting of increasing radiation dosing while real-time assessment of ROS generation was achieved by the measurement of hydroxyl spin trap adducts via electron paramagnetic resonance. RESULTS: Radiation-induced cell death determined by clonogenic assay was significantly different at low dose (4-8 Gy) between the resistant U3035 cells and the sensitive U3020 cells. Similar trends were present in the in vivo NSG mouse model following radiation dosing on post-implantation day 7-10, with the rate of reduction in tumor bioluminescence reversing between the U3020 and U3035 cells after the third dose of radiation. Changes in gene expression following radiation determined by RNA-sequencing indicate both U3035 and U3020 cells demonstrate a shift toward more mesenchymal profiles, with concurrent shift away from pro-neural subtype gene expression in the U3020 cells that appeared to develop resistance to radiation in vivo. Persistence of ROS generated following radiation was greater in U3020 cells shown to be more sensitive to radiation. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the same molecular classification, distinct GBM cell lines can demonstrate differential response to radiation and potential for mesenchymal shift associated with radiation resistance.

Stereotactic radiosurgery for IDH wild type glioblastoma: an international, multicenter study.

OBJECTIVE: Isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH) mutation status is recommended used for diagnosis and prognostication of glioblastoma patients. We studied efficacy and safety of stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) for patients with recurrent IDH-wt glioblastoma. METHODS: Consecutive patients treated with SRS for IDH-wt glioblastoma were pooled for this retrospective observational international multi-institutional study from institutions participating in the International Radiosurgery Research Foundation. RESULTS: Sixty patients (median age 61 years) underwent SRS (median dose 15 Gy and median treatment volume: 7.01 cm3) for IDH-wt glioblastoma. All patients had histories of surgery and chemotherapy with temozolomide, and 98% underwent fractionated radiation therapy. MGMT status was available for 42 patients, of which half of patients had MGMT mutant glioblastomas. During median post-SRS imaging follow-up of 6 months, 52% of patients experienced tumor progression. Median post-SRS progression free survival was 4 months. SRS prescription dose of > 14 Gy predicted longer progression free survival [HR 0.357 95% (0.164-0.777) p = 0.009]. Fifty-percent of patients died during post-SRS clinical follow-up that ranged from 1 to 33 months. SRS treatment volume of > 5 cc emerged as an independent predictor of shorter post-SRS overall survival [HR 2.802 95% CI (1.219-6.444) p = 0.02]. Adverse radiation events (ARE) suggestive of radiation necrosis were diagnosed in 6/55 (10%) patients and were managed conservatively in the majority of patients. CONCLUSIONS: SRS prescription dose of > 14 Gy is associated with longer progression free survival while tumor volume of > 5 cc is associated with shorter overall survival after SRS for IDH-wt glioblastomas. AREs are rare and are typically managed conservatively.

Stereotactic radiosurgery for clinoid meningiomas: a multi-institutional study.

PURPOSE: Resection of clinoid meningiomas can be associated with significant morbidity. Experience with stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) for clinoid meningiomas remains limited. We studied the safety and effectiveness of SRS for clinoid meningiomas. METHODS: From twelve institutions participating in the International Radiosurgery Research Foundation, we pooled patients treated with SRS for radiologically suspected or histologically confirmed WHO grade I clinoid meningiomas. RESULTS: Two hundred seven patients (median age: 56 years) underwent SRS for clinoid meningiomas. Median treatment volume was 8.02 cm3, and 87% of tumors were immediately adjacent to the optic apparatus. The median tumor prescription dose was 12 Gy, and the median maximal dose to the anterior optic apparatus was 8.5 Gy. During a median post-SRS imaging follow-up of 51.1 months, 7% of patients experienced tumor progression. Greater margin SRS dose (HR = 0.700, p = 0.007) and pre-SRS radiotherapy (HR = 0.004, p < 0.001) were independent predictors of better tumor control. During median visual follow-up of 48 months, visual function declined in 8% of patients. Pre-SRS visual deficit (HR = 2.938, p = 0.048) and maximal radiation dose to the optic apparatus of ≥ 10 Gy (HR = 11.297, p = 0.02) independently predicted greater risk of post-SRS visual decline. Four patients experienced new post-SRS cranial nerve V neuropathy. CONCLUSIONS: SRS allows durable control of clinoid meningiomas and visual preservation in the majority of patients. Greater radiosurgical prescription dose is associated with better tumor control. Radiation dose to the optic apparatus of ≥ 10 Gy and visual impairment before the SRS increase risk of visual deterioration.

Intraoperative radiotherapy (IORT) for surgically resected brain metastases: outcome analysis of an international cooperative study.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The ideal delivery of radiation to the surgical cavity of brain metastases (BMs) remains the subject of debate. Risks of local failure (LF) and radiation necrosis (RN) have prompted a reappraisal of the timing and/or modality of this critical component of BM management. IORT delivered at the time of resection for BMs requiring surgery offers the potential for improved local control (LC) afforded by the elimination of delay in time to initiation of radiation following surgery, decreased uncertainty in target delineation, and the possibility of dose escalation beyond that seen in stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS). This study provides a retrospective analysis with identification of potential predictors of outcomes. METHODS: Retrospective data was collected on patients treated with IORT immediately following surgical resection of BMs at three institutions according to the approval of individual IRBs. All patients were treated with 50kV portable linear accelerator using spherical applicators ranging from 1.5 to 4.0 cm. Statistical analyses were performed using IBM SPSS with endpoints of LC, DBC, incidence of RN, and overall survival (OS) and p < 0.05 considered significant. RESULTS: 54 patients were treated with IORT with a median age of 64 years. The most common primary diagnosis was non-small cell lung cancer (40%) with the most common location in the frontal lobe (38%). Median follow-up was 7.2 months and 1-year LC, DBC, and OS were 88%, 58%, and 73%, respectively. LMD was identified in 2 patients (3%) and RN present in 4 patients (7%). The only predictor of LC was extent of resection with 1-year LC of 94% for GTR versus 62% for STR (p = 0.049). CONCLUSIONS: IORT is a safe and effective means of delivering adjuvant radiation to the BM resection cavities with high rates of LC and low incidence of RN. Further studies are warranted directly comparing LC outcomes to SRS.

Feasibility of dose escalation using intraoperative radiotherapy following resection of large brain metastases compared to post-operative stereotactic radiosurgery.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Post-operative SRS (stereotactic radiosurgery) for large brain metastases is challenged by risks of radiation necrosis that limit SRS dose. Intraoperative radiotherapy (IORT) is a potential alternative, however standard dose recommendations are lacking. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Twenty consecutive brain metastases treated with post-operative SRS were retrospectively compared to IORT plans generated for 10-30 Gy in 1 fraction to 0-5 mm by estimating the applicator size and distance from critical organs using pre-operative and post-operative MRI. Additionally, 7 consecutive patients treated with IORT 30 Gy to surface were compared to retrospectively generated SRS plans using the post-operative MRI to 15-20 Gy and 30 Gy in 1 fraction marginal dose. RESULTS: For the 20 resection cavities treated with SRS and retrospectively compared to IORT, IORT from 10 to 30Gy resulted in lower or not significantly different doses to the optic apparatus and brainstem. Comparatively for the 7 patients treated with IORT 30 Gy to retrospective SRS plans to standard 15-20 Gy and 30 Gy marginal dose, IORT resulted in significantly lower doses to the optic apparatus and brainstem. At a median follow-up of 6.2 months, 86% of patients treated with surgery and IORT achieved local control and 0% developed radiographic or symptomatic radiation necrosis. CONCLUSIONS: Critical organ dosimetry for IORT remains generally lower than that achieved with single fraction SRS following resection of large brain metastases. We recommend 30 Gy to surface as the preferred prescription, consistent with the dose recommendation for IORT in glioblastoma used in the ongoing INTRAGO-II phase-III trial. Early clinical outcomes appear promising for surgery and IORT.

Prognostic significance of corticotroph staining in radiosurgery for non-functioning pituitary adenomas: a multicenter study.

Silent corticotroph staining pituitary adenoma (SCA) represents an uncommon subset of Non-Functioning adenomas (NFAs), hypothesized to be more locally aggressive. In this retrospective multicenter study, we investigate the safety and effectiveness of Stereotactic Radiosurgery (SRS) in patients with SCA compared with other non-SCA NFA's. Eight centers participating in the International Gamma-Knife Research Foundation (IGKRF) contributed to this study. Outcomes of 50 patients with confirmed SCAs and 307 patients with confirmed non-SCA NFA's treated with SRS were evaluated. Groups were matched. SCA was characterized by a lack of clinical evidence of Cushing disease, yet with positive immunostaining for corticotroph. Median age was 55.2 years (13.7-87). All patients underwent at least one trans-sphenoidal tumor resection prior to SRS. SRS parameters were comparable as well. Median follow-up 40 months (6-163). Overall tumor control rate (TCR) 91.2% (n = 280). In the SCA group, TCR were 82% (n = 41) versus 94.1% (n = 289) for the control-NFA (p = 0.0065). The SCA group showed a significantly higher incidence of new post-SRS visual deficit (p < 0.0001) assigned to tumor progression and growth, and post-SRS weakness and fatigue (p < 0.0001). In univariate and multivariate analysis, only the status of silent corticotroph staining (p = 0.005, p = 0.009 respectively) and margin dose (p < 0.0005, p = 0.0037 respectively) significantly influenced progression rate. A margin dose of ≥17 Gy was noted to influence the adenoma progression rate in the entire cohort (p = 0.003). Silent corticotroph staining represents an independent factor for adenoma progression and hypopituitarism after SRS. A higher margin dose may convey a greater chance of TCR.

Loss of cytokeratin 20 and acquisition of thyroid transcription factor-1 expression in a merkel cell carcinoma metastasis to the brain.

Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is recognized by its morphologic features and by its classic immunophenotypic properties. Although MCCs demonstrating nonclassic immunoreactivities have been described, a case documenting a change in immunophenotype during the course of disease progression has not been previously reported. We report a case of MCC that initially demonstrated cytokeratin 20 positivity but lost expression in subsequent metastases. Likewise, thyroid transcription factor-1 was initially negative in the tumor but expression was present in metastatic lesions.

Multicentric Assessment of Safety and Efficacy of Combinatorial Adjuvant Brain Metastasis Treatment by Intraoperative Radiation Therapy and Immunotherapy.

PURPOSE: After surgical resection of brain metastases (BMs), intraoperative radiation therapy (IORT) provides a promising alternative to adjuvant external beam radiation therapy by enabling superior organ-at-risk preservation, reduction of in-hospital times, and timely admission to subsequent systemic treatments, which increasingly comprise novel targeted immunotherapeutic approaches. We sought to assess the safety and efficacy of IORT in combination with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) and other targeted therapies (TTs). METHODS AND MATERIALS: In a multicentric approach incorporating individual patient data from 6 international IORT centers, all patients with BMs undergoing IORT were retrospectively assessed for combinatorial treatment with ICIs/TTs and evaluated for toxicity and cumulative rates, including wound dehiscence, radiation necrosis, leptomeningeal spread, local control, distant brain progression (DBP), and estimated overall survival. RESULTS: In total, 103 lesions with a median diameter of 34 mm receiving IORT combined with immunomodulatory systemic treatment or other TTs were included. The median follow-up was 13.2 (range, 1.2-102.4) months, and the median IORT dose was 25 (range, 18-30) Gy prescribed to the applicator surface. There was 1 grade 3 adverse event related to IORT recorded (2.2%). A 4.9% cumulative radiation necrosis rate was observed. The 1-year local control rate was 98.0%, and the 1-year DBP-free survival rate was 60.0%. Median time to DBP was 5.5 (range, 1.0-18.5) months in the subgroup of patients experiencing DBP, and the cumulative leptomeningeal spread rate was 4.9%. The median estimated overall survival was 26 (range, 1.2 to not reached) months with a 1-year survival rate of 74.0%. Early initiation of immunotherapy/TTs was associated with a nonsignificant trend toward improved DBP rate and overall survival. CONCLUSIONS: The combination of ICIs/TTs with IORT for resected BMs does not seem to increase toxicity and yields encouraging local control outcomes in the difficult-to-treat subgroup of larger BMs. Time gaps between surgery and systemic treatment could be shortened or avoided. The definitive role of IORT in local control after BM resection will be defined in a prospective trial.

Comparison of Repeat Versus Initial Stereotactic Radiosurgery for Intracranial Arteriovenous Malformations: A Retrospective Multicenter Matched Cohort Study.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Studies comparing neurological and radiographic outcomes of repeat to initial stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) intracranial arteriovenous malformations are scarce. Our aim was to perform a retrospective matched comparison of patients initially treated with SRS with those undergoing a second radiosurgical procedure. METHODS: We collected data from arteriovenous malformations managed in 21 centers that underwent initial and repeated radiosurgery from 1987 to 2022. Based on arteriovenous malformations volume, margin dose, deep venous drainage, deep, and critical location, we matched 1:1 patients who underwent an initial SRS for treatment-naive arteriovenous malformations and a group with repeated SRS treatment. RESULTS: After the selection process, our sample consisted of 328 patients in each group. Obliteration in the initial SRs group was 35.8% at 3 and 56.7% at 5 years post-SRS, while the repeat SRS group showed obliteration rates of 33.9% at 3 years and 58.6% at 5 years, without statistically significant differences (P = .75 and P = .88, respectively). There were no statistically significant differences between the 2 groups for obliteration rates (hazard ratio = 0.93; 95% CI, 0.77-1.13; P = .5), overall radiation-induced changes (RIC) (OR = 1.1; 95% CI, 0.75-1.6; P = .6), symptomatic RIC (OR = 0.78; 95% CI, 0.4-1.5; P = .4), and post-SRS hemorrhage (OR = 0.68; 95% CI; P = .3). CONCLUSION: In matched cohort analysis, a second SRS provides comparable outcomes in obliteration and RIC compared with the initial SRS. Dose reduction on repeat SRS may not be warranted.

Stereotactic Radiosurgery With Versus Without Neoadjuvant Endovascular Embolization for Brain Arteriovenous Malformations With Associated Intracranial Aneurysms.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) with neoadjuvant embolization is a treatment strategy for brain arteriovenous malformations (AVMs), especially for those with large nidal volume or concomitant aneurysms. The aim of this study was to assess the effects of pre-SRS embolization in AVMs with an associated intracranial aneurysm (IA). METHODS: The International Radiosurgery Research Foundation AVM database from 1987 to 2018 was retrospectively reviewed. SRS-treated AVMs with IAs were included. Patients were categorized into those treated with upfront embolization (E + SRS) vs stand-alone SRS (SRS). Primary end point was a favorable outcome (AVM obliteration + no permanent radiation-induced changes or post-SRS hemorrhage). Secondary outcomes included AVM obliteration, mortality, follow-up modified Rankin Scale, post-SRS hemorrhage, and radiation-induced changes. RESULTS: Forty four AVM patients with associated IAs were included, of which 23 (52.3%) underwent pre-SRS embolization and 21 (47.7%) SRS only. Significant differences between the E + SRS vs SRS groups were found for AVM maximum diameter (1.5 ± 0.5 vs 1.1 ± 0.4 cm3, P = .019) and SRS treatment volume (9.3 ± 8.3 vs 4.3 ± 3.3 cm3, P = .025). A favorable outcome was achieved in 45.4% of patients in the E + SRS group and 38.1% in the SRS group (P = .625). Obliteration rates were comparable (56.5% for E + SRS vs 47.6% for SRS, P = .555), whereas a higher mortality rate was found in the SRS group (19.1% vs 0%, P = .048). After adjusting for AVM maximum diameter, SRS treatment volume, and maximum radiation dose, the likelihood of achieving favorable outcome and AVM obliteration did not differ between groups (P = .475 and P = .820, respectively). CONCLUSION: The likelihood of a favorable outcome and AVM obliteration after SRS with neoadjuvant embolization in AVMs with concomitant IA seems to be comparable with stand-alone SRS, even after adjusting for AVM volume and SRS maximum dose. However, the increased mortality among the stand-alone SRS group and relatively low risk of embolization-related complications suggest that these patients may benefit from a combined treatment approach.

Clinical and Imaging Outcomes After Trigeminal Schwannoma Radiosurgery: Results From a Multicenter, International Cohort Study.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: An international, multicenter, retrospective study was conducted to evaluate the long-term clinical outcomes and tumor control rates after stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) for trigeminal schwannoma. METHODS: Patient data (N = 309) were collected from 14 international radiosurgery centers. The median patient age was 50 years (range 11-87 years). Sixty patients (19%) had prior resections. Abnormal facial sensation was the commonest complaint (49%). The anatomic locations were root (N = 40), ganglion (N = 141), or dumbbell type (N = 128). The median tumor volume was 4 cc (range, 0.2-30.1 cc), and median margin dose was 13 Gy (range, 10-20 Gy). Factors associated with tumor control, symptom improvement, and adverse radiation events were assessed. RESULTS: The median and mean time to last follow-up was 49 and 65 months (range 6-242 months). Greater than 5-year follow-up was available for 139 patients (45%), and 50 patients (16%) had longer than 10-year follow-up. The overall tumor control rate was 94.5%. Tumors regressed in 146 patients (47.2%), remained unchanged in 128 patients (41.4%), and stabilized after initial expansion in 20 patients (6.5%). Progression-free survival rates at 3 years, 5 years, and 10 years were 91%, 86%, and 80 %. Smaller tumor volume (less than 8 cc) was associated with significantly better progression-free survival ( P = .02). Seventeen patients with sustained growth underwent further intervention at a median of 27 months (3-144 months). Symptom improvement was noted in 140 patients (45%) at a median of 7 months. In multivariate analysis primary, SRS ( P = .003) and smaller tumor volume ( P = .01) were associated with better symptom improvement. Adverse radiation events were documented in 29 patients (9%). CONCLUSION: SRS was associated with long-term freedom (10 year) from additional management in 80% of patients. SRS proved to be a valuable salvage option after resection. When used as a primary management for smaller volume tumors, both clinical improvement and prevention of new deficits were optimized.