The Role of Radiation Therapy in Pinealoma

Three females and 3 males between seven and thirty years of age were treated for pinealoma. Symptoms secondary to increased intracranial pressure were relieved most rapidly by shunting. Visual symptoms were variably ameliorated by radiation therapy, but hormonal imbalance was not reversed by irradiation. Survival rates after radiation therapy varied from between one to thirteen years. One death was recorded. An advisable tumor dose is felt to be 4,500–5,000 rads to the tumor-bearing areas in four weeks, using a supervoltage x-ray or 60Co unit with or without prior shunting.