Gamma Knife Radiosurgery for Cerebral Cavernous Malformations: Meta-analysis of Reconstructed Time-to-Event Data.

INTRODUCTION: Cavernomas are vascular lesions with a genetic heritage that can be spotted on the central nervous system. Whenever these lesions are localized in eloquent regions, surgical resection is not recommended. In this type of situation, Gamma Knife stereotactic radiosurgery (GKRS) could be a feasible option for treating patients. Thus, we aim to explore the outcomes associated with this procedure.

METHODS: We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of reconstructed time-to-event data based on Kaplan-Meier curves. A thorough search was conducted on PubMed, Cochrane, Web of Science and Embase databases targeting papers that provided information regarding hemorrhagic outcomes associated with GKRS through Kaplan-Meier curves.

RESULTS: After a systematic search in the specific databases, seven studies were included in this review. Notably, a total of 1071 patients had 1104 cavernomas treated by GKRS. Assessment of short-term and long-term post-procedure outcomes was performed, with the estimated overall events-free rate at 2 years being 89.8% (95% CI 87.7 - 91.5), whilst, at ten years, the estimated overall events-free rate was 71.3% (95% CI 67.2 - 75.1).

CONCLUSION: GKRS seems to be a good alternative for control of symptomatic events in early and long-term follow-up, despite the need of further investigation provided by future studies.