The role of stereotactic radiotherapy in the management of ependymomas.

INTRODUCTION: Intracranial ependymomas in children have high rates of recurrence. Salvage therapy typically includes repeat resection, possibly chemotherapy, and re-irradiation. Stereotactic radiosurgery has been used for re-irradiation. It offers the theoretical advantages of delivering a high dose of radiation to a small target, providing a maximum dose to the tumor while avoiding surrounding critical brain structures and previously irradiated tissue. DISCUSSION: Few reports in the literature describe this technique, with mixed, but not often successful, outcomes.