The Role of Stereotactic Radiosurgery for Functioning and Nonfunctioning Pituitary Adenomas

Pituitary adenomas are benign brain tumors that comprise 10%-20% of all central nervous system neoplasms. In recent years, stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) has emerged as a highly effective treatment option in the management of functioning and nonfunctioning adenomas. It is associated with tumor control rates frequently ranging from 80% to 90% in published reports. While permanent morbidity is uncommon, potential side effects include endocrine dysfunction, visual field deficits, and cranial nerve neuropathies. In patients where single fraction SRS would pose an unacceptable risk (e.g. large lesion size or close proximity to the optic apparatus), hypofractionated SRS delivered in 1-5 fractions is a potential treatment option; however, available data are limited. A comprehensive literature search of PubMed/MEDLINE, CINAHL, Embase, and the Cochrane Library was conducted to identify articles reporting on the use of SRS in functioning and nonfunctioning pituitary adenomas.

Automated summary

Pituitary adenomas are common benign brain tumors, comprising 10%-20% of all central nervous system neoplasms. Stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) has emerged as an effective treatment option for these tumors, with high tumor control rates. However, potential side effects such as endocrine dysfunction and visual deficits need to be considered. Hypofractionated SRS, delivered in multiple fractions, is an alternative treatment option for patients who are not suitable for single fraction SRS.