LINAC based radiosurgery and radiotherapy for neurosurgical diseases: what have we learnt so far.

BACKGROUND Stereotactic radiosurgery uses a single fraction high dose radiation while stereotactic radiotherapy uses multifractionated lower dose focused radiation. MATERIALS AND METHODS Radiosurgery used rigid CRW head frame while stereotactic radiotherapy utilized GTC or HNL relocatable frames. Stereotactic planning and radiation involved Radionics X-plan and LINAC system. RESULTS Since December 2001, we have treated 83 lesions from 77 patients using either radiosurgery or fractionated stereotactic radiotherapy. Eighty six percent (86%) of our treated lesions showed favourable outcomes with median follow-up of 32 months (0-7 years). CONCLUSIONS Our lessons from LINAC precision radiation therapy uphold its value as a promising and effective tool in treating a range of nervous system pathologies.