Abstract
Metastatic brain tumors (MBT) are the most common complication of systemic cancer and affect between 20% and 40% of all adult cancer patients. Tumor cells usually reach the brain via hematogenous spread and often grow near the gray-white junction. Histologically, MBT resemble the parent tumor, with the potential for more undifferentiated features. Surgical resection is appropriate for solitary, accessible MBT in patients with high-performance status and well-controlled systemic disease. In carefully selected patients with multifocal MBT, surgery may be appropriate for accessible, symptomatic, and dominant lesions. Whole brain external beam irradiation is the most common form of treatment for MBT, typically a total dose of 30Gy delivered in ten daily fractions of 300cGy each. Radiosurgical boosting after whole brain irradiation should also be considered for patients with one to four MBT. Chemotherapy can be of benefit in selected patients, especially those with MBT from cancers of the breast, lung (small cell and nonsmall cell), ovaries, and germ cell tumors. The most active agents include carboplatin, cisplatin, etoposide, cyclophosphamide, temozolomide, capecitabine, and topotecan. “Targeted” molecular agents have also been shown to have activity against some MBT and should also be considered.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callMore From: Neurological Complications of Systemic Cancer and Antineoplastic Therapy
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
