Brainstem Tumors : Results of 20 Patients Treated with Radiation Therapy

Kim, Woo Cheol; Suh, Chang Ok; Pyo, Hong Ruyll; Loh, John J K; Kim, Gwi Eon

Abstract

A total of 20 patients(male : female=10:10, adult : children=8:12) with brainstem tumors had been received radiation therapy in the Department of Radiation Oncology, Yonsei Cancer Center, Yonsei University College of Medicine between 1980 and 1990. Thirteen of 20 patients were treated with conventional radiation therapy (before 1989, 180~200 cGy per fraction, 5 days a week, total dose 4680~5400 cGy), and seven patients were treated with hypefractionated radiation therapy(in 1990, 100 cGy per fraction, twice daily 10 fractions a week, total dose 7200 cGy). Median follow up periods for conventional radiation therapy group and hyperfractionated radiation therapy group were 39 months and 10 months, respectively. Four of 20 Patients had histopathologic diagnosis prior to treatment ; 3 cases were low grade astrocytoma and 1 case was high grade astrocytoma. Overall 2-year actuarial survival rate was 30%. The prognosis of patients with a longer duration of symptom and sign was better(60% vs 12%), and the adult(52%) was better than children(14%). There was no significant difference between the focal(29%) and diffuse(20%) type. The initial clinical response was better in the hyperfractionated radiation therapy group. Because of the relatively small number of Patients and short follow up Period in hyPerFractionated radiation therapy group, there was no comparison between two group.