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Published, Version of Record (VoR)Open Access via Drexel Libraries Read and Publish Program 2026CC BY V4.0, Open
Journal article
A systematic review of stereotactic radiosurgery for pituitary metastases
Journal of neuro-oncology, v 176(3), 174
21 Jan 2026
PMID: 41563523
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Abstract
Background
Pituitary gland metastases (PGM) are extremely rare, and their ideal management is poorly defined. Radiosurgery for PGM may obviate the need for tumor excision, decreasing surgical morbidity in a patient population with an otherwise life-limiting illness. Given this, we sought to summarize existing literature on outcomes of PGM treated with stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS).
Methods
A systematic review was conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA). PubMed and Science Direct databases were queried from their inception through November 2025. The search phrase “((Stereotactic radiosurgery OR SRS OR radiosurgery) AND (Pituitary metastases))” was applied without any search filters. The primary outcome of interest was local tumor control (LC) with an aggregate local tumor control (LC) point estimate derived by calculating a weighted average across selected studies. Additional outcomes of interest were, post-SRS endocrinological function, and cranial nerve deficits.
Results
Eight studies encompassing 119 patients with PGM treated with SRS were reviewed. A median tumor volume and diameter of 2.35 cm3, and 2.2 cm respectively was treated with a median prescription dose of 13.0 Gy. The dose delivered to the optic apparatus was <10 Gy in 85.7% of studies. The pooled local control rate following SRS was 90% (95% CI: 75%-99%) over a median follow up of 7 months. A pooled median survival estimate of 14 months (range: 5.2-30.0) was demonstrated. Diabetes insipidus, hypopituitarism, and cranial nerve deficits either improved or were stable following SRS in 50.0%, 53.6%, and 75.0% of patients respectively.
Conclusion
SRS affords high LC in the setting of PGM. Despite this, survival is poor and likely depends on systemic disease control. A multidisciplinary approach incorporating SRS represents a promising option for this patient population. Further characterization of optimal radiosurgical parameters is warranted.
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Details
- Title
- A systematic review of stereotactic radiosurgery for pituitary metastases
- Creators
- Trent Kite - Allegheny Health NetworkNikitha Harikumar - Drexel UniversityStephen Jaffee - Drexel UniversityHenry Knox - Edward Via College of Osteopathic MedicineJohn Herbst - Allegheny Health NetworkStephen Karlovits - Allegheny General HospitalAlexander Yu - Drexel University, NeurosurgeryJody Leonardo - Drexel University, SurgeryRodney E Wegner - Allegheny Health NetworkMatthew J Shepard (Corresponding Author) - Drexel University, Neurology
- Publication Details
- Journal of neuro-oncology, v 176(3), 174
- Publisher
- Springer Nature
- Number of pages
- 9
- Resource Type
- Journal article
- Language
- English
- Academic Unit
- Neurology; Surgery; Neurosurgery
- Web of Science ID
- WOS:001667470800003
- Other Identifier
- 991022155073304721