Stereotactic radiation therapy for skull base recurrences: Is a salvage approach still possible?

Abstract

Aim

A literature review was performed to analyse the role of stereotactic radiotherapy given in a single shot or in a fractionated fashion for recurrent skull base tumours in order to ascertain if it can be a real salvage approach.

Background

The management of recurrent skull base tumours can have a curative or palliative intent and mainly includes surgery and RT.

Materials and methods

One-thousand-ninety-one articles were found in the search databases and the most relevant of them were analysed and briefly described.

Results

Data on recurrences of meningioma, pituitary adenoma, craniopharyngioma, chordoma and chondrosarcoma, vestibular schwannoma, glomus jugulare tumours, olfactory neuroblastoma and recurrences from head and neck tumours invading the base of skull are reported highlighting the most relevant results in terms of local control, survival, side effects and complications.

Conclusions

In conclusion, it emerges that SRS and FSRT are effective and safe radiation modalities of realize real salvage treatment for recurrent skull base tumours.