Surgical Management and Outcomes of Intracranial Chondromas: A Single Institute Experience

Objective Management of intracranial chondromas (ICDs) is difficult. This study aims to propose a tailored management strategy based on our management of ICDs.

Methods A retrospective review was performed in 66 patients who received surgical operations at our institute. Clinical charts and radiographs were reviewed, follow-up was performed, and adverse factors for progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were evaluated.

Results The pre- and postoperative KPSs were 81.8 and 72.3, respectively. The mean tumor size was 3.5 cm. Gross total resection was achieved in 15 patients (22.7%). Six patients (10.3%) received postoperative radiation. After a mean follow-up duration of 85.5 months, recurrence occurred to 15 patients (28.8%) with surgery alone, and no recurrence was observed in patients receiving postoperative radiotherapy. Six patients (10.3%) died due to tumor progression. The risk factors affecting the PFS included the age of <33 years (HR: 6.876; 95% CI: 1.599–29.560; p = 0.010), tumor size ≥3.1 cm (HR: 6.138; 95% CI: 1.259–29.926; p = 0.025), tumor with evident atypia/mitotic activity (HR: 4.672; 95% CI: 1.352–16.152; p = 0.015), and partial resection (PR) (HR: 12.841; 95% CI: 3.004–54.896; p < 0.001). In all patients, the PFS rate was 75% at 5 years and 64% at 10 years; in addition, the OS rate was 93% at 5 years and 83% at 10 years.

Conclusion The therapeutic strategy for ICDs should be individualized and should consider preoperative variables. GTR was attempted if the tumors were resectable; otherwise, subtotal resection was alternative. In patients with both PR and evident atypia/mitotic activity, consultation with oncologist for radiotherapy was recommended.