When Less is More – the Value of Stereotactic Biopsy for Diagnosis in the Era of Cytoreductive Neuro-Oncology

For the vast majority of intracranial masses, the initial and preferred therapeutic response is “take it out.” That generally means for the neurosurgeon to attempt gross total resection. We could therefore consider that we are in the “Era of Cytoreductive Surgery.” But are some patients better served by a more conservative approach consisting of a stereotactic biopsy instead of cytoreductive surgery?