Radiation therapy for vestibular schwannomas.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Recently, new information on the natural course and on the results of radiation therapy of vestibular schwannomas has been published. The aim of this study is to summarize the most recent literature on the contemporary insights on the natural course and the results of the latest strategies of radiotherapy for vestibular schwannomas.

RECENT FINDINGS: After diagnosis only about one-third of all vestibular schwannomas will progress. Many patients do well with a 'wait and see' policy and, when necessary, radiation treatment has the advantage that tumor control rates are high (95%) and treatment-related side effects are very low. Different approaches to radiotherapy continue to evolve. Up till now stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) and fractionated stereotactic radiotherapy (FSRT) yield comparable results both in terms of tumor control and cranial nerve preservation. With new data available on hearing preservation after radiotherapy, a watchful waiting policy is a renewed matter of debate.

SUMMARY: When a vestibular schwannoma grows, radiotherapy (SRS or FSRT) may be a valuable treatment modality. Future clinical research (properly designed randomized trials) should focus on when and when not to treat, even if a vestibular schwannoma is not growing and on potential differences in long-term effects between SRS and fractionated radiotherapy.