Stereotactic Radiosurgery for Acoustic Neuroma: A Canadian Perspective

• Published in: Canadian journal of neurological sciences 1998-11, Vol.25 (4), p.310-314
• Main Authors: Ross, Ian B., Tator, Charles H.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Biological and medical sciences; Canada; Ear, auditive nerve, cochleovestibular tract, facial nerve: diseases, semeiology; Health Care Costs; Humans; Medical sciences; Neuroma, Acoustic - surgery; Original Articles; Otorhinolaryngology. Stomatology; Radiosurgery - economics; Stereotaxic Techniques - economics; Tumors
• ISSN: 0317-1671; 2057-0155
• DOI: 10.1017/S0317167100034338

Stereotactically delivered radiation is now an accepted treatment for patients with acoustic neuroma. In some cases, patient preference may be the reason for its selection, while in others neurosurgeons may select it for patients who are elderly or have significant risk factors for conventional surgery. The majority of patients with acoustic neuroma treatment with stereotactic radiosurgery have been treated with the Gamma Knife, with follow ups of over 25 years in some instances. Other radiosurgical modalities utilizing the linear accelerator have been developed and appear promising, but there is no long-term follow up. Canada does not possess a Gamma Knife facility, and its government-funded hospital and medical insurance agencies have made it difficult for patients to obtain reimbursement for Gamma Knife treatments in other countries. We review the literature to date on the various forms of radiation treatment for acoustic neuroma and discuss the current issues facing physicians and patients in Canada who wish to obtain their treatment of choice.