FACT-MNG: tumor site specific web-based outcome instrument for meningioma patients

To formulate Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Meningioma (FACT-MNG), a web-based tumor site-specific outcome instrument for assessing intracranial meningioma patients following surgical resection or stereotactic radiosurgery. We surveyed the relevant literature available on intracranial meningioma surgery and subsequent outcomes (38 papers), making note of which, if any, QOL/outcome instruments were utilized. None of the surgveyed papers included QOL assessment specific to tumor site. We subsequently developed questions that were relevant to the signs and symptoms that characterize each of 11 intracranial meningioma sites, and incorporated them into a modified combination of the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Brain (FACT-BR) and SF36 outcome instruments, thereby creating a new tumor site-specific outcome instrument, FACT-MNG. With outcomes analysis of surgical and radiosurgical treatments becoming more important, measures of the adequacy and success of treatment are needed. FACT-MNG represents a first effort to formalize such an instrument for meningioma patients. Questions specific to tumor site will allow surgeons to better assess specific quality of life issues not addressed in the past by more general questionnaires

Stereotactic Radiosurgery for Skull Base Meningiomas

Complete resection of meningiomas occurring at the skull base may be difficult, due to the proximity of critical neurovascular structures. Due to the benign nature of these lesions, most patients with skull base meningiomas have an extended life expectancy. The goal of treatment for these lesions, therefore, revolves around long-term tumor control without worsening neurological function. Stereotactic radiosurgery is one of three main treatment options for the treatment of cranial base meningiomas, and has been shown to have similar rates of tumor control with safe administration within 3–5 mm of cranial nerves and brainstem. In this chapter, we review the literature reporting outcomes following use of stereotactic radiosurgery for these lesions, and the rationale for decision-making about treatment for these lesions