Journal of neuro-oncology
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Journal of neuro-oncology · May 2009
ReviewStereotactic radiosurgery for pituitary adenomas: a comprehensive review of indications, techniques and long-term results using the Gamma Knife.
This study reviews the long-term clinical results of stereotactic radiosurgery in the treatment of pituitary adenoma patients. ⋯ Although the effectiveness of radiosurgery varies considerably depending on the adenoma histopathology, volume, and radiation dose, most studies indicate that radiosurgery when combined with microsurgery is effective in controlling pituitary adenoma growth and hormone hypersecretion. Long-term follow-up is essential to determine the rate of endocrinopathy, visual dysfunction, hormonal recurrence, and adenoma volume control.
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Journal of neuro-oncology · May 2009
ReviewFrame-based stereotaxy in a frameless era: current capabilities, relative role, and the positive- and negative predictive values of blood through the needle.
In the modern era of frameless stereotaxis (FL), the role of frame-based (FB) stereotactic needle biopsy is evolving. ⋯ Stereotactic biopsy is an effective, safe and important technique for histologic diagnosis of brain lesions, particularly for multifocal and corpus callosum lesions. Post-biopsy CT can be safely reserved for patients who demonstrate persistent bleeding through the biopsy needle. FB stereotaxy remains an important technique for the 20% with small or deep seated lesions or when it is advantageous to avoid an incision, a burr hole or general anesthesia.
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Journal of neuro-oncology · May 2009
ReviewManagement of brain metastases: the indispensable role of surgery.
Brain metastases are the most common neurological complication of systemic cancer and carry a very poor prognosis. The management of patients with brain metastases has become more important recently because of the increased incidence of these tumors and the prolonged patient survival times that have accompanied increased control of systemic cancer. In this article, we review the current perspectives on surgical treatment of brain metastases in terms of patient selection criteria, intraoperative adjuncts, whole-brain radiation therapy (WBRT) as a postoperative adjuvant, reoperation for tumor recurrence, and resection of multiple and single metastases. Achieving the best outcome in treatment of brain metastasis requires the judicious and complementary use of surgical resection along with modalities such as whole-brain radiation therapy and stereotactic radiosurgery.
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Journal of neuro-oncology · May 2009
ReviewFacial nerve preservation after vestibular schwannoma Gamma Knife radiosurgery.
Facial nerve preservation is a critical measure of clinical outcome after vestibular schwannoma treatment. Gamma Knife radiosurgery has evolved into a practical treatment modality for vestibular schwannoma patients, with several reported series from a variety of centers. In this study, we report the results of an objective analysis of reported facial nerve outcomes after the treatment of vestibular schwannomas with Gamma Knife radiosurgery. ⋯ Our analysis of case series data aggregated from multiple centers suggests that a facial nerve preservation rate of 96.2% can be expected after Gamma knife radiosurgery for vestibular schwannoma. Younger patients with smaller tumors less than 1.5 cm(3) and treated with lower doses of radiation less than 13 Gy will likely have better facial nerve preservation rates after Gamma Knife radiosurgery for vestibular schwannoma.
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Journal of neuro-oncology · May 2009
Adjuvant enoxaparin therapy may decrease the incidence of postoperative thrombotic events though does not increase the incidence of postoperative intracranial hemorrhage in patients with meningiomas.
Patients with brain tumors including intracranial meningiomas are at increased risk for developing deep vein thrombosis (DVTs) and suffering thromboembolic events (VTEs). Many surgeons are concerned that early use of low dose enoxaparin may increase the risk of intracranial hemorrhage which outweighs the benefit of DVT/VTE reduction. We aimed to address concerns around the use of enoxaparin after meningioma resection in the development of postoperative intracranial hemorrhages and DVT/VTEs. ⋯ Results did not reach statistical significance. In this retrospective study, postoperative administration of enoxaparin following meningioma resection does not increase the risk of intracranial hematoma though enoxaparin administration may slightly decrease the incidence of post-surgical thromboembolic events. Due to study design and power, we were not able to demonstrate DVT/VTE reduction with statistical significance.