Radiosurgery for Benign CNS Tumors, An Issue of Neurosurgery Clinics

Radiosurgery (one-session treatment) has such a dramatic effect on tumors that the changes are considered surgical. Through the use of three-dimensional computer-aided planning and the high degree of immobilization, the treatment can minimize the amount of radiation to healthy brain tissue. Stereotactic radiosurgery is routinely used for brain tumors and lesions. It may be the primary treatment; utilized where a tumor is inaccessible by surgical means; or as a boost or adjunct to other treatments with a recurring or malignant tumor. This issue includes chapters on radiotoxicity risks, single fraction radiosurgery techniques, and fractionated radiation techniques. Also included are clinical results of meningiomas, schwannomas, pituitary adenomas, and craniopharyngiomas.