Abstract

Cancer patients with brain metastases display a median survival of only 1 to 2 months if left untreated. Although whole-brain radiation therapy (WBRT) has lengthened median patient survival, the long-term neurotoxic effects of WBRT have become a deterrent to its use in the context of stable systemic disease. Therefore, it is important to identify patients who might benefit from stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) in order to delay or avoid WBRT. Here we present a review of the literature to elucidate the role of SRS in patients with multiple brain metastases. MEDLINE search for English-language articles from 1998 to 2012 describing survival or neurocognitive functioning of patients with multiple brain metastases treated with SRS, WBRT, or a combination. SRS monotherapy yields an equivalent survival with low risk of long-term neurotoxicity, but higher rate of recurrence, compared to WBRT or combined radiotherapy. Patients with ≤4 brain metastases or KPS ≥ 80 are expected to survive significantly longer than the onset time of prominent WBRT-induced neurocognitive decline. SRS, administered alone or adjuvant to surgical resection of symptomatic metastases, is preferred for patients with ≤4 brain metastases or KPS ≥ 80 to delay or avoid WBRT. WBRT can then be employed in the event of recurrence. WBRT with or without resection is preferred for patients with ≥5 brain metastases and KPS < 80, due to these patients' shorter survival and increased recurrence risk. SRS boost treatments can then be used in the event of poor tumor response or progression.

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 call

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.