Management of CNS metastases in small cell lung cancer: a consensus report

Abstract

Introduction Prevention and treatment of central nervous system (CNS) metastases remain a major problem in the treatment of small cell lung cancer (SCLC). CNS metastases are normally categorized into parenchymal (brain) metastases, leptomeningeal carcinomatosis and spinal cord compression. The incidence rises with the length of survival [l-3]. The methodological difficulties in establishing the true dimensions of the problem and in evaluating treatment results have been addressed recently elsewhere [4,5]. The present report summarizes information obtained since the last IASLC workshop consensus report [6]. It includes points of interest for future work along with guidelines, in so far as current knowledge permits recommendations to be made. In-depth analysis of the role of elective cranial irradiation (PO, chemoand radiotherapy of CNS metastases and sequelae of these treatments has been prepared in conjunction with the present workshop and can be found elsewhere in this issue [7-91.