The efficacy of radiotherapy in vertebral hemangiomas

AIM: Assessment of the efficacy of radiation therapy for symptomatic vertebral hemangiomas. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Records of 19 patients who were treated from 1969 to 1988 were retrospectively analyzed. Radiation treatment was given at 2 Gy per fraction to 20 Gy (n = 2), 30 Gy (n = 11), or 40 Gy (n = 6). Improvement of symptoms was chosen to determine the efficacy of the treatment. In addition the lesions were controlled radiographically. RESULTS: Symptomatic improvement was achieved in 17 of 19 patients, remission was complete in 7 patients. No dose-response relationship was observed. The median time to improvement of symptoms was 3 months. The radiographic controls did not correlate with the clinical course. CONCLUSIONS: Radiation therapy is an effective treatment for symptomatic vertebral hemangiomas. The aim of the treatment is to ameliorate clinical symptoms, radiographic improvement is of minor importance.