Some Radiosurgery Trials of Glomus Jugulare Tumours

Abstract

Between 1986 and 2001 radiosurgery was used to treat six glomus jugulare tumours, three of which histologically unverified, in patients aged from 31 to 71 years. One of the unverified tumours showed evidence of hormonal activity. All patients had to undergo repeat radiosurgery at varying times because of tumour re-growth or clinical deterioration. Neurological and neuroradiological follow-up periods ranged from three to 19 years, with an average of 8.3 years. Total target dose averaged 75.5 Gy from a minimum of 36 to a maximum of 117 Gy over targets not exceeding 25 mm in diameter. Technical handling was adjusted each time according to the clinical and neuroradiological results obtained. In accordance with the principle on which this technique is based, the stereotactic system of fixation must be non-invasive and at the same time should be as accurate as the classic Leksell (or other similar) systems. Radiosurgery results were highly positive in all six patients with no complications or side effects being noted in any of them. In keeping with findings reported in the literature, radiosurgery appears to be an attractive neurosurgical application also in cases of glomus jugulare tumours and can certainly be indicated not only for complementary post-surgical treatment but also as an alternative to neurosurgery itself.