BACKGROUND: Dysembryoplastic neuroepithelial tumors (DNT/DNET) are rare 
epileptogenic tumors. Microsurgery remains the best treatment option, although 
case reports exist on the use of gamma knife radiosurgery (GKRS) in selected 
cases. We investigated the long-term outcome of GKRS-treated DNTs at our 
institution in the context of current diagnostic and treatment options.
CASE DESCRIPTIONS: We conducted a retrospective review of three consecutive 
adult patients (≥18 years) treated with salvage GKRS between 2002 and 2010 at 
Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden. The case series was 
supplemented by a review of current literature. A 20-year-old male underwent 
subtotal resection (STR) in 1997 and 2002 of DNT resulting in temporary control 
of intractable epilepsy despite antiepileptic drug treatment (AED). Long-term 
seizure control was obtained after GKRS of two separate residual DNT components 
along the surgical margin (2005 and 2010). A 27-year-old male undergoing gross 
total resection of the contrast-enhancing portion of a DNT (1999) resulted in 
temporary control of intractable epilepsy despite AEDs; lasting clinical control 
of seizures was achieved in 2002 after GKRS of a small, recurrent DNT component. 
A 28-year-old male underwent STR of DNT (1994 and 2004) resulting in temporary 
control of intractable epilepsy. Lasting seizure control was gained after GKRS 
of a residual tumor (2005).
CONCLUSION: GKRS as performed in our series was effective in terms of tumor and 
seizure control. No adverse radiation effects were recorded. Prospective studies 
are warranted to establish the role of GKRS in the treatment of DNTs.