44. Radiation therapy in the treatment of partially resected low-grade cerebellar astrocytomas in adult patients

Between 1975 and 1995, ninety two adult patients received postoperative irradiation for subtotally resected cerebellar tumours, of which 31 were low-grade (I-II) astrocytomas. The median dose of 51 Gy was given. 29 patients showed good tolerance to treatment. The overall 5 and 10-year actuarial survival rates were 78% and 61 % respectively. Age of patients had the strongest influence on prognosis. Young patients (up to 20 years) achieved the 10-year overall actuarial survival rate of 85%, while older patients had poorer survival with the 10-year overall actuarial survival rate of 46% (p=0.0205)