Article
Carbon ion radiation therapy for high-risk meningiomas
Search Medline for
Authors
Published: | September 24, 2009 |
---|
Outline
Text
Background: We analyzed outcome after a carbon ion boost in combination with precision photon radiation therapy in patients with meningiomas.
Patients and methods: Ten patients with meningiomas were treated with carbon ion radiation therapy as part of a Phase I/II trial. Carbon ion radiotherapy was conducted in conjunction with fractionated stereotactic radiation therapy (FSRT) or intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT). Eight patients were treated as primary radiotherapy, in 2 patients carbon ion radiation therapy was performed as re-irradiation. Carbon ion radiation therapy was applied with a median dose of 18 Gy E, and photon radiation therapy was applied with a median dose of 50.4 Gy. Two patients with a history of former irradiation received 18 Gy E of carbon ion RT and a reduced dose of photon treatment.
Results: The median follow-up time was 77 months. Five patients died during follow-up, of which 4 died of tumor progression. In the group treated in the primary situation, actuarial survival rates after radiotherapy were 75% and 63% at 5 and 7 years. After re-irradiation, both patients died at 10 and 67 months, respectively. Actuarial local control rates after primary radiation therapy were 86% and 72% at 5 and 7 years. Two patients developed tumor recurrence after re-irradiation, 6 and 67 months after treatment.
Conclusion: In conclusion, carbon ion radiation shows promising results in patients with atypical or anaplastic meningiomas. Further evaluation in a larger, prospective study in comparison to proton radiotherapy or modern photon radiotherapy is needed to corroborate these results.