Radiotherapy for tumors the pineal region──Analysis of 27 cases

From Feb 1978 to Feb 1992,Twenty-seven patients with tumors of the pineal region were analysed. Ages ranged from 9~36 year and 23 cases were less than 25year with 2:1 male predominance. Three cases were proved by histology. 18cases were treated by means of ventricular shunting plus radiotherapy; gcases by radiotherapy alone. The overally 3 and 5 year surriral rates 66.7 % (18/27) and 55.6% (15/27),respectively. The main cause of death was local recurrence. Because the opperative opproach to this site led to high mortality and morbidity rates, the most of this tumor,although they can not be completely exised, are radiosensitive. As a results, ventricular shunting plus postoperative radiotherapy without a tissue diagunosis had had advocted.