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Management of brain metastases
1Department of Neurology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.
Oncology (Williston Park, N.Y.)
|August 12, 1999
Summary
Advances in diagnosing and managing brain metastases, including MRI and stereotactic radiosurgery, improve patient outcomes. Most patients now receive effective palliation, but further research is needed for optimal treatments.
Area of Science:
- Neuro-oncology
- Cancer Metastasis
- Neurosurgery
Background:
- Brain metastases are the most common intracranial tumors in adults.
- They significantly contribute to cancer patient morbidity and mortality.
- Recent years have seen critical progress in their diagnosis and treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent advances in the diagnosis and management of brain metastases.
- To highlight the impact of these advances on patient outcomes.
- To identify areas for future research in treating brain metastases.
Main Methods:
- Review of recent diagnostic imaging techniques, particularly magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
- Evaluation of therapeutic advancements including stereotactic radiosurgery.
- Analysis of studies clarifying the role of surgery and radiation therapy for single brain metastases.
Main Results:
- Widespread MRI use allows early detection of small brain metastases.
- Stereotactic radiosurgery offers an effective treatment modality.
- Improved understanding of surgical and radiation roles enhances palliation for single metastases.
- Most patients with brain metastases now experience effective symptom management and survival beyond the metastases.
Conclusions:
- Current diagnostic and therapeutic strategies have significantly improved outcomes for patients with brain metastases.
- While palliation is effective for most, further research is essential.
- Defining optimal conventional treatments and developing novel therapies remain key future directions.