Pediatric radiosurgery

Abstract

Stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) has been used for more than 60 years in adults. There is a growing body of literature on the use of SRS in children. The largest experience of pediatric SRS is in children with arteriovenous malformations (AVMs). Results for pediatric AVMs appear to be similar to adults. The experience in children with malignant and benign brain tumors is much smaller. The majority of reports show good tumor control with minimal toxicity. However, some caution in interpretation is required, as these are mostly small studies with short follow-up. Currently, consideration of SRS in children should be undertaken in a multidisciplinary fashion, with close collaboration among neurosurgery, radiation oncology, and medical oncology. Additional work is needed to further clarify the role of SRS in children.​