Stereotactic Radiosurgery for Glial Tumors

Despite advancements in neuroimaging, microsurgery, and neuro-oncology, the prognosis for patients with gliomas has not substantially improved. Although resection remains the initial treatment of choice for most gliomas, achieving complete removal of the tumor is not always feasible. The tumor recurrences are often inevitable, necessitating alternative managements. Stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) offers a precise, localized administration of focused radiation. SRS is well tolerated and is associated with a relatively low risk of adverse radiation effects (ARE) in glial tumor patients with limited options. SRS has been offered as an adjuvant option for unresectable low-grade gliomas (LGGs) or as a salvage management in patients with recurrent or residual malignant gliomas. Although randomized controlled studies are lacking, preliminary data suggest that SRS may be a viable alternative for LGGs, with improved survival and a low rate of complications. Despite the generally poor prognosis for malignant gliomas even with SRS, the radiosurgical treatment provides the surgeons with more flexibility in operative planning, contributing to a better quality of life for patients postoperatively.