Minim Invasive Neurosurg 2006; 49(5): 276-281
DOI: 10.1055/s-2006-954824
Original Article

© Georg Thieme Verlag KG · Stuttgart · New York

Review of Radiosurgery of Pineal Parenchymal Tumors. Long Survival Following 125-Iodine Brachytherapy of Pineoblastomas in 2 Cases

J. Julow 1 , Á. Viola 1 , 2 , T. Major 3
  • 1St. John's Hospital Department of Neurosurgery, Budapest, Hungary
  • 2Semmelweis University Doctoral School, Budapest, Hungary
  • 3National Institute of Oncology, Department of Radiotherapy, Budapest, Hungary
Further Information

Publication History

Publication Date:
12 December 2006 (online)

Abstract

Objective: The aim of the present work is to report the volumetric changes of tumor in two pineoblastoma patients treated with stereotactic interstitial irradiation and to present a review on radiosurgery of pineal parenchymal tumors. Methods: Two of our patients with pineoblastoma were treated with CT and image-fusion guided 125-iodine brachytherapy. The tumor volumes were determined with outlined contours on planning and control CT/MRI images and were compared. Results: Until January 2006, there were 61- and 58-month follow-up periods in the two cases. 56 and 53 months after irradiation the MRI images showed significant tumor shrinkage. In case 1 tumor volume was 0.76 cm3 on the last control MRI image, compared to the 2.87 cm3 at the time of interstitial irradiation, which means 73% shrinkage. In case 2, tumor volume measured with the last control MRI examination was 0.29 cm3, which represents 77% shrinkage of the original tumor volume. In both Cases 1 and 2, PET examinations using 11C-methionine showed no active tumor mass 56 and 53 months following brachytherapy. Conclusion: Two successful treatments of pineoblastoma are reported. The interstitial irradiation of the tumors decreased their volumes significantly. The CT and image fusion-guided 125-iodine stereotactic brachytherapy can be planned well dosimetrically and is surgically precise.

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Correspondence

Jenő JulowM.D. 

St. John's Hospital

Department of Neurosurgery

Diósárok u. 1-3

1125 Budapest

Hungary

Phone: +36/1/458 45 38

Fax: +36/1/458 46 50

Email: h12494jul@ella.hu

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