Novalis radiosurgery of optic gliomas in children: preliminary report

AIM: To evaluate the effectiveness of Novalis radiosurgery (RS) in children with optic gliomas. METHODS: Four pediatric patients (1 male and 3 female) were treated for optic gliomas with Novalis RS in our institution between February 2002 and July 2002. Their mean age was 12 (range 5-16) years at presentation for Novalis RS. The mean target dose was 44 (range 41-45) Gy, with a mean fractionation dose of 1.58 (range 1.5-1.65) Gy. Follow-up included magnetic resonance imaging and ophthalmologic and endocrine examinations. RESULTS: The mean follow-up period was 54 (range 50-58) months. During the follow-up period, all patients were alive. Local control of the tumor was obtained in all patients. None of the patients showed clinically relevant morbidity, especially endocrine dysfunction. CONCLUSIONS: Novalis RS may be an excellent treatment method for optic gliomas in children. However, long-term follow-up is required for further evaluation of efficacy and potential side effects.