Linear accelerator surgery for meningiomas

Object. In this paper the authors review the results of a single-center experience in the use of linear accelerator (LINAC) surgery for radiosurgical treatment of meningiomas. Methods. A retrospective analysis of all patients treated with LINAC surgery for meningiomas between May 1989 and December 2001 was performed. All patients participated in follow-up review for a minimum of 2 years, and no patients were excluded. Two hundred ten patients were treated during the study interval. The actuarial local control rate for benign tumors was 100% at both 1 and 2 years, and 96% at 5 years. The actuarial local control rate for atypical tumors was 100% at 1 year, 92% at 2 years, and 77% at 5 years; and that for malignant tumors was 100% at both 1 and 2 years, and only 19% at 5 years. Of the 210 patients 13 (6.2%) experienced temporary radiation-induced complications, and only five (2.3%) experienced permanent complications. In all patients with a permanent complication the histological characteristics of the meningioma were malignant. Conclusions. Linear accelerator surgery produced high local control rates and very low rates of permanent morbidity in patients harboring benign meningiomas.