Stereotactic radiosurgery for pediatric brain tumors

Six papers from the recent literature are reviewed for outcomes after stereotactic radiosurgery used to treat pediatric brain tumors. Results indicate that radiosurgery is feasible in children with brain tumors. The efficacy is approximately 80% local control for benign astrocytomas. The local control is less effective in malignant tumors. Only 4 of 15 children with recurrent ependymoma were controlled. The complication rate of all the papers combined is approximately 11%. Permanent neurologic complication owing to stereotactic radiosurgery is approximately 5%. These complications are discussed.