Otolaryngologic clinics of North America
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Otolaryngol. Clin. North Am. · Aug 2009
ReviewNeoplastic transformation after radiosurgery or radiotherapy: risk and realities.
In recent years, the use of radiosurgery or radiotherapy for benign brain tumors has increased significantly. Although long-term follow-up from several centers suggests that radiosurgery or radiotherapy is effective and safe, there are particular concerns regarding development of radiation-induced tumors. ⋯ All patients should be informed about the risks and consequences of radiation and microsurgery. The current practice standards for radiosurgery should not be modified because of this very low risk.
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Otolaryngol. Clin. North Am. · Aug 2009
Historical ArticleThe history of stereotactic radiosurgery and radiotherapy.
Stereotactic neurosurgery originated from the pioneering work of Horsley and Clarke, who developed a stereotactic apparatus to study the monkey brain in 1908. Spiegel and Wycis applied this technology to the human brain in 1947, which ultimately lead to the development of multiple stereotactic neurosurgical devices during the 1950s. ⋯ Leksell developed the gamma knife to treat intracranial lesions in a noninvasive fashion. His work stimulated worldwide interest and created the field of stereotactic radiosurgery.