Intraoperative Radiation Therapy(IORT) for the Treatment of Brain Tumors.

Chung, Yong Gu; Kim, Chul Yong; Choi, Myung Sun; Lee, Ki Chan; Lee, Hoon Kap

Original Article

Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society 1999;28(9): 1305-1311.

Yong Gu Chung, Chul Yong Kim, Myung Sun Choi, Ki Chan Lee, Hoon Kap Lee

¹Department of Neurosurgery, Korea University Hospital, Korea University, Seoul, Korea.
²Department of Radiation Oncology, Korea University Hospital, Korea University, Seoul, Korea.

ABSTRACT

Intraoperative Radiation Therapy(IORT) delivers a high single dose of radiation to a localized volume encompassing the tumor tissue as well as a minimal amount to the surrounding brain. The aims of the study are to evaluate the feasibility of IORT for the treatment of brain tumors, its effect on survival, and possible complications. Nineteen brain tumor patients underwent wide resection of the tumor followed by IORT at the first surgery or at the second salvage surgery. IORT was given for primary tumors in two patients, but was used for treating recurrent tumors in the other 17 patients. IORT doses of 15-25Gy was delivered depending on the tumor volume and previous radiation therapy. The mean follow-up after IORT was 11.5 months(range: 1-40 months). There were several complications after IORT; 1 radiation necrosis, 1 hydrocephalus,and 3 wound infections. For Glioblastomas cases, the median survival time after initial diagnosis was 14 months(SD, 6.4mo; range 10-28mo). An Unresectable huge highly vascularized meningioma was removed successfully after IORT. Based on our limited experiences, IORT may be considered as an adjuvant therapeutic modality, especially for malignant brain tumors and large rich vascularized meningioma.

Key Words: IORT; Brain tumors; Complications