Gamma Knife Radiosurgery for Low Grade Glioma - Long-Term Follow-up Results -

양성 신경교종의 감마나이프 방사선수술 - 장기 추적 결과 -

Objectives : The purpose of this study is to assess the long-term outcome and delayed complications of Gamma Knife radiosurgery for low grade glioma(LGG). Methods : Among 31 patients of LGG who had been treated by using Leksell Gamma Knife between March 1992 and December 1996, we could follow up more than 5 years(range 5-9 years) in 17 patients and evaluated their clinical feature, changes of tumor volume and post-radiosurgical complications. Results : During the mean follow-up period of 7.6 years, the tumor was decreased in 5 patients(29.4%), unchanged in 4(23.5%), increased in 4(23.5%) and recurred in 4(23.5%). The tumor control rate was 52.9%(9/17). We have experienced eighteen postradiosurgical complications in 10 patients(58.8%). Early complication was none and delayed complications included radiation necrosis with cyst in ten cases, bleeding in five, radiation-induced edema in one and malignant transformation in one. Two patients ultimately died as a result of tumor progression during the follow-up period. The mortality rate was 11.7%. Conclusion : Gamma Knife radiosurgery may be useful as an adjunctive therapy for small volume, deep-seated LGG. Although radiosurgery can effectively prevent growth of solid tumor, several delayed complications such as radiation necrosis, cyst formation, bleeding or malignant transformation can develop during the long-term followup period. Because of the possible slow growth rate of LGG and development of the delayed complications, the long-term efficacy of radiosurgery requires further analysis.