STEREOTAXIC RADIOSURGERY FOR GLOMUS-JUGULARE TUMORS - A PRELIMINARY-REPORT

Purpose: This study was conducted to evaluate the toxicity and efficac y of stereotactic radiosurgery treatment of glomus jugulare tumors. Me thods and Materials: Between March 1990 and January 1995, nine patient s underwent stereotactic radiosurgery with the Leksell Gamma Knife Uni t for glomus jugulare tumors, Previous treatment had failed in four pa tients, The seven female and two male patients had a median age of 67 years. Results: The median time from stereotactic radiosurgery to the most recent clinical follow-up was 20 months (range 7-65 months), Subj ectively, 7 of 9 patients noted a decrease in the intensity of their s ymptoms, Objectively, 8 of 9 tumors remained stable in size by serial magnetic resonance imaging scans and one was smaller, There was no acu te or chronic toxicity. Conclusion: This early experience suggests tha t stereotactic radiosurgery is a promising treatment for glomus jugula re tumors. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science Inc.