Outcomes of Stereotactic Radiosurgery for Jugular Foramen Schwannomas: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Publisher Pubmed



Hajikarimloo B ; Tos SM ; Mohammadzadeh I ; Najari D ; Ebrahimi A ; Hezaveh EB ; Ghorbanpouryami F ; Habibi MA
Source: Neurochirurgie Published:2025

Abstract

Background: Jugular foramen schwannomas (JFS) are infrequent cranial nerve (CN) lesions accounting for up to 4% of intracranial schwannomas. The management of the JFS is challenging due to its proximity to critical neurovascular structures. Stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) has emerged as a minimally invasive alternative to resection; however, the available data regarding the outcomes of SRS in JFS is limited. This study aims to evaluate the role of SRS in JFS. Methods: A systematic search of PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and Web of Science was performed following PRISMA guidelines. Pooled estimates for local control (LC), cranial nerve (CN) deterioration, progression-free survival (PFS), and adverse radiation effects (ARE) were calculated using the R program. Results: Seventeen studies with 529 patients were included. The pooled LC rate was 94% (95% CI: 91%–96%), with a CN deterioration rate of 9% (95% CI: 3%–16%). The pooled 1-year PFS rate was 98% (95% CI: 96%–100%), 3-year PFS rate was 95% (95% CI: 92–97%, 5-year PFS rate was 92% (95% CI: 88–95%), and 10-year PFS rate was 84% (95% CI: 76–90%). The pooled ARE rate was 6% (95% CI: 2–11%). Conclusion: SRS results in promising LC and PFS rates along with low CN deterioration and ARE rates in JFS patients. Surgery remains the primary choice for those with larger lesions or mass-related symptoms, while SRS can be the first-line option for small to medium-sized lesions. © 2025 Elsevier B.V., All rights reserved.