Stereotactic radiotherapy (SRT) for acoustic neuroma by linear accelerator

We analyzed forty one patients with acoustic neuroma treated by SRT giving 36 Gy in 20 fractions to 48 Gy in 23 fractions during 1991 and 1997, and found a sterilization of tumor size in 97.6%. Twenty-six patients had measurable hearing before and after SRT and 43.5% of patients showed change in pure tone average less than 10 dB, 82.6% less than 20 dB at the last follow-up examination. Facial and trigeminal nerve function was evaluated in 41 patients. Transient facial weakness developed in 4.8% and trigeminal neuropathy in 9.6% of irradiated cases. We consider that SRT complications are less than that of gamma-knife, although the longer follow-up period should be needed. (author)