Authors' objectives:

This study aims to assess the effects of stereotactic radiosurgery compared with conventional neurosurgery or whole brain radiotherapy on functional outcomes and survival in people with secondary brain tumours, acoustic neuromas or arteriovenous malformations (AVM).

Authors' recommendations: Research is not yet mature in this field. We found no high quality primary studies. The studies identified suggest that stereotactic radiosurgery may be beneficial in the treatment of brain metastases, AVMs and acoustic neuromas. However, conclusions must be regarded as tentative, because the designs of identified studies are highly prone to bias. Studies to date cannot reliably predict the magnitude of any potential benefit or how it might compare to conventional surgery, whole brain radiotherapy, arterial embolisation and other conventional strategies. Furthermore, the types of conditions and location of lesions that might be treated and best regimens for treatment remain uncertain. Several authors have reported that randomised controlled trials are in progress.1 Once reported, these should provide higher quality evidence on which to base decisions regarding the role of stereotactic radiosurgery.

Authors' methods: Review

Project Status: Completed

URL for project: http://www.wihrd.soton.ac.uk

Year Published: 2001

English language abstract: An English language summary is available

Publication Type: Not Assigned

Country: England

Organisation Name: Wessex Institute for Health Research and Development

Contact Address: Pauline King. Wessex Institute for Health Research and Development, Boldrewood Medical School, Bassett Crescent East, Highfield, Southampton. SO16 7PX Tel. +44 1703 595661 Fax +44 1703 595662

Copyright: Bazian Ltd, Wessex Institute for Health Research and Development