Target volume delineation for radiotherapy of meningiomas: an ANOCEF consensus guideline

Abstract

Purpose: Radiotherapy is, with surgery, one of the main therapeutic treatment strategies for meningiomas. No prospective study has defined a consensus for the delineation of target volumes for meningioma radiotherapy. Therefore, target volume definition is mainly based on information from retrospective studies that include heterogeneous patient populations. The aim is to describe delineation guidelines for meningioma radiotherapy as an adjuvant or definitive treatment with intensity-modulated radiation therapy and stereotactic radiation therapy techniques. This guideline is based on a consensus endorsed by a multidisciplinary group of brain tumor experts, members of the Association of French-speaking Neuro-oncologists (ANOCEF).

Materials and methods: A 3-step procedure was used. First, the steering group carried out a comprehensive review to identify divergent issues on meningiomas target volume delineation. Second, an 84-item web-questionnaire has been developed to precisely define meningioma target volume delineation in the most common clinical situations. Third, experts members of the ANOCEF were requested to answer. The first two rounds were completed online. A third round was carried out by videoconference to allow experts to debate and discuss the remaining uncertain questions. All questions remained in a consensus.

Results: Limits of the target volume were defined using visible landmarks on computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging, considering the pathways of tumor extension. The purpose was to develop clear and precise recommendations on meningiomas target volumes.

Conclusion: New recommendations for meningiomas delineation based on simple anatomic boundaries are proposed by the ANOCEF. Improvement in uniformity in target volume definition is expected.

Keywords: Consensus guidelines; Delineation; Meningiomas; Radiotherapy; Target volume.