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Intradural extramedullary benign spinal lesions radiosurgery. Medium- to long-term results from a single institution experience

  • Clinical Article - Spine
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Abstract

Background

Surgery represents the first-choice treatment for spinal intradural tumours. On the other hand, whether it is most appropriate in the setting of recurrences, residual or multiple lesions remains an open question. Moreover, some patients are less than ideal candidates for surgery. In this study we report about our own radiosurgery experience in the treatment of benign intradural extramedullary tumours of the spine.

Methods

In our study we analyzed the outcomes for 18 patients (21 lesions) treated for benign intradural extramedullary lesions, with a minimum follow-up period of 32 months. The lesions included 11 meningiomas, 9 schwannomas and 1 neurofibroma.

Results

The mean follow-up was 43 months (32–73 months). The median tumour volume was 2 cc (0.2–17.7 cc). Eleven lesions underwent single-fraction treatment (mean prescribed dose ranging from 10 to 13 Gy). The others received a multisession radiosurgery treatment (4–6 fractions) with a mean prescription dose ranging from 18.5 to 25 Gy. The maximum dose to the spinal cord ranged from 9.2 to 26 Gy. During the follow-up period, none of the lesions showed radiological evidence of progression. Neurological status was preserved or improved and no permanent sequelae were observed. Significant and durable pain relief was observed.

Conclusions

Although surgical excision remains the primary treatment option for most intradural tumours, radiosurgery offers a real alternative therapeutic modality, especially in case of recurrent and residual lesions or when surgery is contraindicated.

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Acknowledgments

The authors wish to thank Dr. David W. Schaal, Accuray Incorporated, for technical and editorial assistance.

Conflicts of interest

The authors report no conflict of interest concerning the materials or methods used in this study or the findings specified in this paper.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Neurosurgery, Radiotherapy Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico C Besta, Via Celoria 11, 20133, Milan, Italy

    Marcello Marchetti, Ida Milanesi & Laura Fariselli

  2. Health Department, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico C Besta, Via Celoria 11, 20133, Milan, Italy

    Elena De Martin

  3. Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico C Besta, Via Celoria 11, 20133, Milano, Italy

    Marcello Marchetti

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  1. Marcello Marchetti
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Correspondence to Marcello Marchetti.

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Marchetti, M., De Martin, E., Milanesi, I. et al. Intradural extramedullary benign spinal lesions radiosurgery. Medium- to long-term results from a single institution experience. Acta Neurochir 155, 1215–1222 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00701-013-1756-3

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00701-013-1756-3

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