R adiosurgery allows deposition of high doses of radiation in the meningioma with sparing of the surrounding normal structures including the optic nerves and optic chiasm. Although the carotid arteries may in some cases receive radiation, the arteries have not occluded after radiosurgery. The tolerance of the optic nerves and chiasm is more limited. Not only is the treatment safer with fractionation, but the total dose may be escalated when compared to single fraction techniques, resulting in potentially higher rates of tumor control. Finally, it is important to note that in no instance of conventional radiotherapy is a large single fraction of treatment given for the treatment of any tumor anywhere in the body.
Fractionation is the principle for successful treatment of tumors by radiation.
Surgery may be feasible to resect as much tumor as possible. Consult Johns Hopkins Radiosurgery for the Parasellar Meningiomas. J ohns Hopkins Radiosurgery offers considerable experience and success in the treatment of the parasellar meningiomas. The results of the radiosurgery for our first patients has been published in The Journal of Radiosurgery. This manuscript may be viewed by clicking here .