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Seminars in Neurosurgery 2001; 12(3): 337-344
DOI: 10.1055/s-2001-33625
Copyright © 2002 by Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc., 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA. Tel.: +1(212) 584-4662

The Role of Radiation Therapy and Stereotactic Radiosurgery in the Treatment of Pituitary Adenomas

Douglas Kondziolka, Ajay Niranjan, Jason P. Sheehan, John C. Flickinger, L. Dade Lunsford
  • 1Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
  • 2Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
  • 3The Center for Image Guided Neurosurgery, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
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Publication History

Publication Date:
27 August 2002 (online)

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ABSTRACT

Pituitary tumors can be managed with medication, surgical resection, radiation therapy (XRT), and stereotactic radiosurgery. Radiation approaches are best suited for patients with residual tumors after prior resection, particularly when the tumor involves the cavernous sinus. Irradiation can also be useful for patients with persistent hormone-secreting tumors despite resection or in those for whom resection would be associated with excessive risk. In this report, we review the rationale behind the various radiation approaches and discuss the risks and benefits of radiosurgery and XRT.

KEYWORDS

Pituitary tumor - radiosurgery - radiation therapy - acromegaly - Cushing's disease

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