Radiation Therapy of Pineal Tumors

Abstract

The case histories of 58 patients irraidated for pineal tumors were reviewed to assess indications and radiotherapy techniques. The survival rates were 61% at 5 yr and 58% at 10 yr in all cases. The 5 yr survival rate was 85% for 21 patients with germinoma, 69% of 26 with tumors not histologically confirmed, and zero for patients with glioma and teratoma. Doses ranging from 1500-1699 R with or without decompression definitely improve the prognosis in pineal tumors. Field size and changes in CT [computed tomography] scans during radiotherapy are discussed.