Fractionated Stereotactic Radiotherapy Compared to Stereotactic Radiosurgery for Vestibular Schwannoma in Patients with Type 2 Neurofibromatosis.

BACKGROUND: The use of radiotherapy (RT) for the treatment of vestibulocochlear schwannomas is standard in patients with type 2 neurofibromatosis (NF2). In the general population, fractionated RT (FRT) can achieve good results compared to single-dose radiosurgery (SRS). We aimed to assess whether this is true for NF2 patients as well. METHODS: This retrospective cohort study included 34 patients and 54 lesions treated between 2010 and 2023 in a single university hospital. RESULTS: Thirty-four patient charts were assessed. The median follow-up was 62.6 months (range, 7.1-135.8 months). Lesion size (median larger diameter, 2.5 cm) was correlated with the use of FRT (P > 0.001). Younger age also was correlated with FRT (P = 0.006). Median overall survival and progression-free survival (PFS) were not reached. The overall control rate was 76.5%, and the mean PFS was 49.8 months, compared with . 90.5% and 57.2 months, respectively, for SRS and 66.7% and 44.9 months, respectively, for FRT. There were no differences between the 2 groups in hearing loss, tinnitus, and facial palsy. CONCLUSIONS: In the NF2 population, FRT may yield worse control rates than SRS. Whenever possible, it is preferable to not fractionate treatment for these patients. Nevertheless, the FRT results were still good. More and larger prospective trials are warranted.

Stereotactic Radiosurgery or Fractionated Stereotactic Radiotherapy for Arteriovenous Malformation.

BACKGROUND: The best management for AVM, particularly high-grade ones and those that have been ruptured before, is still unknown. Data from prospective data lacks support for the best approach. METHODS: We retrospectively review patients with AVM at a single institution that were treated with radiation or a combination of radiation and embolization. These patients were divided into two groups based on radiation fractionation: SRS and fSRS. RESULTS: One-hundred and thirty-five (135) patients were first assessed and 121 met study criteria. Mean age at treatment was 30.5 years, and most patients were male. The groups were otherwise balanced, except for nidus size. SRS group had smaller lesions (P > 0.005). SRS correlates to better chance of nidus occlusion and lesser chance of retreatment. Complications such as radionecrosis (5%) and bleeding after nidus occlusion (1 patient) were rare. CONCLUSIONS: Stereotactic radiosurgery plays an important role on the treatment of AVM. Whenever possible, SRS should be preferred. Data from prospective trials about larger and previously ruptured lesions are needed.