Stereotactic radiosurgery for glomus jugulare tumors: a preliminary report.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: This study was conducted to evaluate the toxicity and efficacy of stereotactic radiosurgery treatment of glomus jugulare tumors. METHODS AND MATERIALS Between March 1990 and January 1995, nine patients underwent stereotactic radiosurgery with the Leksell Gamma Knife Unit for glomus jugulare tumors. Previous treatment had failed in four patients. The seven female and two male patients had a median age of 67 years. RESULTS: The median time from stereotactic radiosurgery to the most recent clinical follow-up was 20 months (range 7-65 months). Subjectively, 7 of 9 patients noted a decrease in the intensity of their symptoms. Objectively, 8 of 9 tumors remained stable in size by serial magnetic resonance imaging scans and one was smaller. There was no acute or chronic toxicity. CONCLUSION: This early experience suggests that stereotactic radiosurgery is a promising treatment for glomus jugulare tumors.