Predictors of Growth of Vestibular Schwannoma After Gamma Knife Treatment: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Background: GKRS shows a high success rate in controlling growth of vestibular schwannoma, but a small number of tumors still grow after treatment. However, only a few studies have investigated the predictive factors of this growth. Objective: Here, we aim to explore the growth determinants of vestibular schwannoma after GKRS. Methods: This paper has analyzed literature published between 2000 and 2024 from PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane databases. Potential determinants, including age, gender, tumor volume, radiation dose, tumor location, and imaging characteristics, have been reviewed. Conclusions: We have found that initial tumor volume, pretreatment growth rate, and imaging ADC value potentially predict growth after GKRS. These findings provide a reference for further optimizing personalized treatment in vestibular schwannoma care.