Abstract
OBJECTIVE: This study evaluates the safety and efficacy of gamma knife radiosurgery (GKRS) in patients with a growth hormone-secreting adenoma. METHODS: A retrospective review of data collected from a prospective database of GKRS patients between January 1988 and September 2006 was performed in patients with acromegaly. Successful endocrine outcome was defined as normalization of the insulin-like growth factor level. Tumor volume was also assessed. At least 18 months of follow-up was available in 95 patients who received radiosurgery during the study period. Mean endocrine follow-up was 57 months (range, 18-168 mo). RESULTS: Normal insulin-like growth factor levels were achieved in 50 patients (53%) at an average time of 29.8 months after radiosurgery (median, 23.5 mo). A decrease in tumor volume control was achieved in 83 (92%) of 90 patients. Five patients (6%) had no change in tumor volume, and two patients (2%) had an increase in tumor volume. New endocrine deficiencies developed in 32 patients (34%). Four patients developed new-onset partial visual acuity deficits; three of these patients had received previous conventional fractionated radiation therapy. CONCLUSION: GKRS is a complementary treatment for recurrent or residual growth hormone-secreting pituitary adenomas. Although infrequent, tumor growth, new-onset pituitary hormone deficiency, recurrence, and neurological dysfunction require careful clinical, radiological, and endocrinological follow-up.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 1262-1269 |
Number of pages | 8 |
Journal | Neurosurgery |
Volume | 62 |
Issue number | 6 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Jun 2008 |
Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- Acromegaly
- Gamma
- Pituitary
- Radiosurgery
- Secretory adenoma
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Surgery
- Clinical Neurology