Carbon ion radiation therapy for high-risk meningiomas

Abstract 

Background

We analyzed outcome after a carbon ion boost in combination with precision photon radiation therapy in patients with meningiomas.

Patients and methods

Ten patients with meningiomas were treated with carbon ion RT as part of a Phase I/II trial. Carbon ion RT was conducted in conjunction with fractionated stereotactic RT (FSRT) or intensity-modulated RT (IMRT). Eight patients were treated as primary RT, in 2 patients carbon ion RT was performed as re-irradiation. Carbon ion RT was applied with a median dose of 18GyE, and photon RT was applied with a median dose of 50.4Gy. Two patients with a history of former irradiation received 18GyE of carbon ion RT and a reduced dose of photon treatment.

Results

The median follow-up time was 77months. Five patients died during follow-up, of which four died of tumor progression. In the group treated in the primary situation, actuarial survival rates after RT were 75% and 63% at 5 and 7years. After re-irradiation, both patients died at 10 and 67months, respectively. Actuarial local control rates after primary RT were 86% and 72% at 5 and 7years. Two patients developed tumor recurrence after re-irradiation, 6 and 67months after treatment.

Conclusion

In conclusion, carbon ion radiation shows promising results in patients with atypical or anaplastic meningiomas. Further evaluation in a larger, prospective study in comparison to proton RT or modern photon RT is needed to corroborate these results.

Keywords: Particle therapy, Meningioma, Local control, Outcome