Conventional radiation therapy for skull base tumors: an overview.

Radiation therapy is an important treatment option for patients with skull base tumors. It has been proven to be effective as primary or adjunctive therapy. Results with conventional radiation treatments have been good to excellent, with limited morbidity. Despite recent advances in neurosurgery and radiation oncology, conventional radiation therapy continues to play a role for some patients. The use of newer technologies such as radiosurgery, three-dimensional conformal therapy, and intensity-modulated radiation therapy should provide equal or better tumor control with decreased morbidity. Future studies should determine the roles of conventional and more innovative radiation approaches.