Hypofractionated Radiosurgery for Large or in Critical-Site Intracranial Meningioma: Results of a Phase 2 Prospective Study.

PURPOSE

Radiosurgery is a well-known, safe, and effective technique used in the treatment of intracranial meningiomas. However, single-fraction radiosurgery can lead to high toxicity rates when large-volume or critically located lesions are targeted. Multisession-also called hypofractionated-radiosurgery (hypo-RS) might overcome these limitations. Accordingly, we carried out a prospective phase 2 trial, aiming to establish whether a fractionated RS schedule of 25 Gy in 5 fractions would be safe and effective in treating large (≥ 3 cm) and/or critically located (<3 mm from critical structures) grade 1 intracranial meningiomas. The main aim was to evaluate the safety of hypo-RS in terms of absence of adverse events. The secondary aim was to evaluate tumor response in terms of local control, defined as stability or reduction of lesion volume.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

We prospectively enrolled patients with diagnoses of grade 1 meningiomas, large size and/or critically located lesions, either histologically diagnosed or imaging defined. Additional inclusion criteria were signed informed consent, an age of ≥18 years, and Karnofsky Performance Status ≥70.

RESULTS

Between 2011 and 2016, 178 patients were consecutively enrolled. The median follow-up was 53 months (range, 4-101 months). Overall, the toxicity rate was 12.7% (21 of 166 patients). At a 5-year minimum follow-up, the patients' toxicity rates were 11.7 % (9 of 77 patients). Symptom evaluation at both 3-year and last follow-up showed an improvement in most of the patients. Five-year local tumor control was 97% (95% confidence interval, 92%-99%).

CONCLUSIONS

Hypo-RS schedule of 25 Gy in 5 fractions is a well-tolerated option in the treatment of large-volume and/or critically located benign meningiomas. Early results suggest favorable local control, although longer-term follow-up is needed.