[Gamma knife treatment for pituitary adenomas].

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the function and effect of Gamma knife radiosurgery (GKR) in controlling the tumor growth and improving endocrinological abnormality of pituitary adenomas. METHODS: Two hundred and twenty-eight cases of pituitary adenoma were treated with Leksell Gamma knife. 1.0 Tesla MRI and Gamma-Plan system were used to orientate the tumor. The margin dose was 12 - 35 Gy, mean 21.3 Gy; the center does was 24 - 70 Gy, mean 46.6 Gy (NFA, 31.8 Gy; FA, 50.3 Gy). RESULTS: One hundred and sixteen cases (NFA, 28; FA, 88) were followed up for 4 - 67 months, and the mean was 27.4 months. The growth of tumors in 113 cases (97.4%) was controlled. The tumor volume became smaller in 98 cases (84.5%). Three cases (2.6%) grew larger in tumor size. A significant decrease of excessive hormone production was seen in 89.8% of the patients, and the endocrinological normalization rate was 49.7% (PRL, 47.2%; GH, 57.1%; ACTH, 55.6%). Postradiosurgical complications were seen in 6%. CONCLUSION: Gamma knife radiosurgery is safe and effective in controlling the tumor growth and improving endocrinological abnormality of pituitary adenoma.