Late effects of radiotherapy in patients with optic nerve sheath meningioma

Optic nerve sheath meningioma (ONSM) is a rare, slow-growing tumor of the
anterior visual pathway and accounts for 1-2% of all meningiomas (The
Netherlands ~500 new cases per year of whom 5-10 with ONSM). Although the
histological nature of this neoplasm is benign, it causes progressive visual
loss and may ultimately lead to blindness if untreated. High precision
radiotherapy is now the treatment of choice, because it is impossible to
resect the tumor without causing irreversible damage to the optic nerve
resulting in blindness. However, little is known about the late effects of the
radiotherapy either physical (dry eye, painful eye, retina damage with visual
loss, loss of pituitary function) as well as the effect on QoL.

Assessment of late effects of radiotherapy in patients with ONSM.

Observational retrospective study.

Burden:

- Standard ophtalmological examnination by an ophtalmologist (non-invasive)
- Fluorescein-angiography of the retinal vessles (intravenous fluorescein 5 ml)
- Blood sample (20 ml)
- Questionnaire (25 multiple choice and open questions)
- Medical history and interview

Total investigation time: 2 hours

Risk:

- Allergic reaction to intravenous fluorescein (rare event <1%)